Hullo, I've been having a muck about with the dt swiss spoke calculator and my proposd build of superstar switch evo hubs on arch ex rims leaves me needing three different spoke lengths (260, 262 and 264) (based on a three cross pattern) which is, I assume, what I want on a MTB? Is this right?
I am deliberating between aci alpine spokes, supercomps and the good old competition. The supercomps seem to save a fair chunk of weight and should be reasonably solid (I weigh 70kg and ride a bit of everything). Would supercomp front and something else rear be a good compromise or just being silly?
I'm new to this custom wheel job but my LBS offers cheap and by all accounts reliable builds if you supply all the components so I would welcome any advice.
It's always worth cross checking your results against another spoke calculator. Try http://lenni.info/edd as it has a wider range of hubs and rims in the database.
Hmm, that calculator is different by over 5mm, this could be an expensive endeavour.
Try the wheelpro calc. It's been spot on for me every time I've used it. Maybe I'm boring but for me It's always three cross, brass nipples and DT comp or sapim equivalent.
If the two calculators are off by 5mm I would check the measurement you are inputting. I personally try and measure all parts myself rather than rely on other people measurement. The I only have myself to blame.
Another calculator for you. Used this for several scores of wheels. http://www.recumbents.com/wisil/spokes!.asp
I'm just using the superstar stats and no tubes stats on their websites, I may have entered it wrong I suppose, thanks for all the calculators, it's good to know you've had success with them so fingers crossed they'll work for me too.
My advice. Buy the hubs and the rims. Measure them yourself then buy the right spokes.
I just built a set of wheels using Arch Ex's. The ERD i measured was different to what's written on the rim
I use ACI Alpina spokes - do an ebay search - very good value for money.
be carefull using DT's spoke calculator to check everything is spot on.
If you are going to do it yourself get the wheel pro ebook...excellent, no nonsense, advice and plans for home made wheel jigs and tools that really work well.
Whenever I build wheels I take the hub and rim along to the LBS and get then to measure and supply the correct size spokes.
I have however only ever built one wheel which I did last night. Rather pleased with the result. All true and nice tension plus the valve hole lines up with the hub logo.
+1 for the wheelpro e-book.
Does your lbs supply spokes? Easy to check by lacing 6 only.
As far as spokes go, IIRC supercomps have a non std nipple thread, which I would avoid.
If you're not going for a light rim there's little point in going for a light spoke IMO.
I use 3 calculators & sticking the info in from No Tubes (541mm ERD)
& Superstar...
Front...
PCD Left - 58mm
PCD Right - 45mm
Spoke hole ID - 2.5mm
Flange Left - 21mm
Flange Right - 38mm
Rear...
PCD Left - 58mm
PCD Right - 54mm
Spoke hole ID - 2.5mm
Flange Left - 36mm
Flange Right - 22mm
I get exactly the same from all of them.
I'd get that ERD dim checked to be sure.
DTSwiss
RL=262 RR=261
FL=260 FR=264
Wheelpro
RL=262 RR=261
FL=260 RR=264
Spokecalce
RL=262 RR=261
FL=260 FR=264
You going to build them yourself ?
Get the Wheelpro pdf book. Its money well spent. Grind yourself a nipple driver up & get a decent spoke key.
Wow I must have been doing something wrong! Thanks for the time invested in getting those figures! I did think about the wheelpro method (building my own kit etc) but couldn't really be bothered with the faff. Might get it just for reference though!