I recently bought a ‘vintage’ road bike, and on its first serious outing (today) I was rapidly brought back to the good old days – i.e. I broke two spokes.

Therefore I’m going to rebuild the (27 inch) rear wheel.

Question is, should I use plain gauge like the original or go to double butted like I would with a modern wheel ? Double butted are (obviously) as strong, and less likely to break IMO (bit more spring in the middle means the bit that breaks, at the shoulder, has an easier time).

Are there any considerations I’ve missed ?

Thanks

Either as long as the build is good you should be fine.

The cost difference is minimal, so no reason got not save some weight.

Double butted every time. Builds a stronger, more resilient wheel. The only reason to use plain gauge is cost.