I’ve got a problem with my 26″ 32 hole Mavic XM 719/Alfine wheel, which is that the spokes keep snapping off at the nipple. I think it is because the Alfine flange diameter is so big that it makes the angle between the spoke and the nipple too acute. So, one solution is to rebuild the wheel in a 2-cross pattern. The issues are:

1. using this website the spoke lengths calculate to be 238mm, which is v. short. Can this be right?!?

2. it is hard to buy spokes at this length for a reasonable price, however Rohloff make some. Are they any good?

Halo do 238. Rohloff recommends 2 cross and I’ve always built alfines this way for that reason.

Rohloff recommends 2 cross and I’ve always built alfines this way for that reason.

This is a relief! Sounds like I’m on the right track…

I have an Alfine on a 26″ Rolling Darryl rim and that was built 3-cross. So far, I’ve not had any issues with it. As a single-skin rim, it maybe just gets past the length at which problems occur?

Rose Bikes sell 238mm DT Swiss Comps at £0.29 each (or 20 for £5.21). How much cheaper do you need to go?
http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/dt-swiss-competition-spoke-47912/aid:47917

Rose Bikes sell 238mm DT Swiss Comps at 0.29 each. How much cheaper do you need to go?

Good call. I’m actually after some double butted ones, but I see that they are only 0.38 euros. Delivery is 8.95 euros but it still works out cheaper and it will be a pleasure to help out our struggling eurozone cousins…

What spokes/nipples?

I’ve had a simnilar problem before on a conventional wheel using ACI spokes and 14mm nipples. Changed out to Sapim Race with 12mm polyax nipples (same length spokes) and its been fine since. The polyax nipples move slightly in the hole to reduce the angle.

Are Alfine flanges as big as Rohloffs? Certainly my Rohloff wheel-builds have all been 2-cross.

Try Dylan at http://www.yourspokes.co.uk

might be a bit late,
But I have some DT Swiss, Champion spokes in BLACK, to you 65p per spoke, 😉

Justridingalong do Sapim Race double butted spokes for 42p each, more than Rose Bikes sell them for but postage is cheaper.

Had some spokes from them recently and it was very good service/quick delivery.

http://www.justridingalong.com/sapim-race-spokes-silver.html