|   What gauge and length of spokes to use on new wheelset? | NewTime
Jan 17, 2004 3:17 PM | | Is there a size needed for a certain rim? Can you use 14,15,16 gauge on MTB or Road rims? What about lengths? I was looking at some of the sites from Mike and Sheldon, and I didn't see any mention about types of spokes to use. Maybe I overlooked this on their sites. |
| "The Bicycle Wheel" or "Art of Wheelbuilding". | Bianchi4Me
Jan 17, 2004 7:36 PM | | Spoke length is determined by the diameter of the rim's spokebed, dimensions of the hub, length of the spoke nipple, number of spokes, and the lacing pattern used. As you can see, there are a lot of variables. Fortunately there are spoke length calculators that will automatically determine the corrrect length if you input the specifics of your build.
On your spoke question, I'm not sure what you mean by a 14,15,16 gauge spoke. The DT SuperComp could be termed 14/16/15 gauge (2.0 at the hub, 1.7mm in the center, and 1.8mm at the rim.)
If you haven't already checked them out, I would take advantage of one of two good books already written on the subject:
The Bicycle Wheel by Jobst Brandt
or
The Art of Wheelbuilding by Gerd Schraner
Schraner's book is easier to find and less expensive, and also has a lot of "hands-on" enthusiasm for it's subject. Brandt spends a lot more time discussing the theory of how wheels work, which is good info too. If you can get a chance to read both of them, it would be ideal. |
| Spokes | Mike T.
Jan 17, 2004 7:39 PM | | I don't get into this at all in my info but I would think that Sheldon does.
Spoke lengths are dependant on a few factors -
*Number of spokes
*Number of crosses
*Hub dimensions
*Rim dimensions (ERD - effective rim diameter)
You need to visit a couple or three top spoke calculators on the 'net and get a feel for how they go about it and what info they ask for. Use Google to find the most visited. Spocalc and DT are good ones. It will look complicated at fist but play around with them a while and all will become clear.
Some calculators will give you charts with hub dimensions and ERD but rather than blindly trust a stranger I double check all measurements. Usually spokes aren't returnable. Cross check lengths on two calculators until you find one you can trust.
Yes you can use those gauges on any wheels but 16g centers on double butted spokes is getting a bit thin except for specialised wheels built by experienced builders. 14/15g (2.0/1.8/2.0mm)double butted is the norm.
Ask questions on what you're not clear about.
Mike T. |
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