Bicycle Mechanics - Wheelbuilding

Hey there, got a question for those who have built exotic wheels out there. Im aspiring to build a set which look like the front wheel on the following GF Sugar.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3608996136&category=27948&rd=1

Does anyone know where I can find instructions on building this wheel? DOes anyone know the strengths and weaknesses of this wheel? And finally, does anyone know if you can build a rear wheel like this or not, it seems like it wouldnt work, but who knows. Thanks

Thats not exotic. It has been done for ages now. All you need to do is twist the spokes around each other tightly. You can do 2,3,4 spokes depending on the look you want. You will have to get spokes long enough so they fit properly but that is not hard to do.

When we brake spokes out oin the trail we will twist them like that so we can keep riding until we get back home.

:beer:

Twisty spoke wheels, my wife likes those, I have built her several pair. Looks best built two cross, but can be built three cross. Add a millimeter to spoke length. Lace it up normal but on the spoke you cross under bring it around all the way and then to the nipple. It is easier to do with butted spokes, 14/17 gauge do it best. Tension like normal. My wife does not rie tons of miles but I havenever seen any problems with them, they do seem a little stiffer, like tie and solder.

Interesting idea, but I do not see any benefit, other than possiby the emergency on-road twist-repair mentioned earlier. On a rear wheel, I would expect the twisting and indirect routing to increase the tension on the torque spokes.

I, personally, think it is silly, but my wife likes it and they do seem to hold up OK

Can i do this with an existing wheel? If i just take the spokes that go under and move them? Thanks

As long as the spokes arn't on the short side you should be able to. Just go around and detension the wheel gradually and then twist and retension. This might shorten the life of the spokes, stressing and unstressing them. And if the wheel has alloy nipples go ahead and replace them.