Bicycle Mechanics - Proper spokes for 3-speed hub wheelbuild?

Hi folks- got a question for you. I recently built myself a new wheel using an old 3-speed coaster hub. I've had huge problems with broken spokes (always at the head of the spoke) on this wheel, despite it being reasonably true and correctly tensioned. Looking at a broken spoke this evening, i realized that the spokeholes on the hub seemed much larger than the 15 gauge DT spokes i used for this wheel.

Could this be causing my problems with spoke breakage? If so, what gauge spokes are typically used with these hubs?

thanks-

Too small spokes can definitely lead to breakage at the hub. I'd guess that a coaster brake hub would be particular subject because you reverse the stress direction on the spokes every time you put on the brake.

How big are the holes in your hub. If they're 2.5mm, I'd probably try DT Alpine spokes. If they're 2.3mm, I'd go with 14 gauge spokes.

I don't use straight 15 gauge spokes for anything.

I just switched from 165 cranks to 175, immediately had to lower my seat.

I recently went through that. I bought triple butted spokes and used the little brass spacer washers. The steel Sturmey Archer hub has thinner flanges ad thus they do not support the neck at the bend. Use two washers for the inside laced and three for the outside. check this:

http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-144161.html

I recently went through that. I bought triple butted spokes and used the little brass spacer washers. The steel Sturmey Archer hub has thinner flanges ad thus they do not support the neck at the bend. Use two washers for the inside laced and three for the outside. check this:

http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-144161.html

lol, reading that thread, I have no idea what my original question was that spurred that thread.

A combo of spacers for flange width and the correct diameter spoke is likely going to be the ultimate solution for you. 15 straight gauge probably isn't the ideal choice for that wheel setup, 14/15 DB would be my pick.

Thanks for the useful advice- what's the best place to get a bag of spacers?

Another link with a pic of a hub:

http://beauty.nagog.smasher.net:81/bike/3speedupdate/index.shtml

Link for the washers:

http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=64597887442&c=Repair-Parts&sc=Wheel-and-Rim

When you order spokes, don't be afraid to ask about the DT Swiss Triple Butted