Track Cycling - Spokes for high end track wheelset

Hey everyone.

Im planning to build up a high end set of track wheels. im thinking about buying some zipp rims and dura ace hubs. what spokes should i use?

Brent

aero ones! dt swiss aerolites or sapim cx rays.

--brett

Sapim CX-Ray - great spokes, used them many times.

wow, those are expensive spokes.

so, can use aloy nipples? or should i stick with brass.

Brent

wow, those are expensive spokes.
Yep, just like your rims & hubs!


so, can use aloy nipples?
Sure can. I do.

You have to make sure 100% to use the correct sized spokes for either side of the rear wheel and front. Reason #1 - Bladed spokes cost alot of money, #2 if you use alloy nipples you can break the resting surface of the nipple off if the spokes dont pass thru the entire nipple.

Things to consider with bladed spokes. To use a spoke thats bladed enough to actualy make a physical aerodynamic differance you would have to slot the hub for the blade to fit thru. CX Ray spokes and DT Swiss's bladed spokes are not a proper blade but more elliptical. SLotting the hub isnt as much a science as its a pain in the ass. It voids all warranty in your hub and creates a serious stress riser. Every track hub ive seen fail was from being slotted.

If you want to build a solid and fast wheel your still better off using a double butted spoke and a brass nipple. Brass nipples have a longer life span. Double butted spokes have the same diameter as an eliptical spoke. Not to mention they're much easier to work with and ALOT cheaper. A well built, super strong and stiff wheel is going to make you faster than a slightly more aerodynamic one.

The only hub that I know of that you can buy pre-slotted is a Phil Wood hub (and I don't think they are worth the price). Otherwise as CafeRacer said you'll have to slot them yourself.

You're probably better off just buying complete Zipp wheels.

Things to consider with bladed spokes. To use a spoke thats bladed enough to actualy make a physical aerodynamic differance you would have to slot the hub for the blade to fit thru. CX Ray spokes and DT Swiss's bladed spokes are not a proper blade but more elliptical.

A well built, super strong and stiff wheel is going to make you faster than a slightly more aerodynamic one.


what bladed spokes ARE aerodynamic enough to make a difference?
and if one did build up a wheel properly with bladed spokes, but did it so that the wheel is strong and stiff, wouldn't it be worth it to have both advantages?

Mavic Zicral spokes are shown to have an aerodynamic advantage. But as of now there isnt a track wheel with them.

Fat bladed spokes are not aerodynamic.

CX Ray or Aerolite should not require the hub to be slotted and will give more aero benefit than round or bladed spokes.

http://www.rouesartisanales.com/article-15505311.html

Ok let me add in another point before you rush off and spend $180 on spokes........ Do you think your fast enough that a bladed spoke will make that incrimental differance? It was only 25 years ago fellas were riding 10.5 on 36 regular spokes and simple tubie rims.......

So far the best advice if you really want to build a dreamy pair of wheels is to just buy a set of zipps. It will cost you less than building them up.

The only hub that I know of that you can buy pre-slotted is a Phil Wood hub (and I don't think they are worth the price). Otherwise as CafeRacer said you'll have to slot them yourself.

You're probably better off just buying complete Zipp wheels.

there is another hub that, I cannot remember...

http://www.woodmancomponents.com/catalog/categorie.php?cat=hub&lang=en&art=hub17

Put the Dura Ace hubs to the Zipp hoops and lace them with double butted spokes and brass nipples. You won't go wrong. Tripple cross them too. They'll be seriously strong, stiff and responsive.