Folding Bikes - Spoke size for 16' wheel with 36 holes - NEED HELP...

hi all,

i would like to seek an expert advise regarding a spoke size for a 36 hole rim. i tried using the calc from sheldon brown's website and any other spoke calculator but somehow i am at a loss (or maybe didn't pay too much attention in math when i was in school). anyway would appreciate it if someone can tell me what spoke size i need so that i can lace it on a 16 inch rim with 36 holes. appreciate any help.

thanks again,
vic

The thing about calculating spoke length is it's affected by several different factors of size, which you haven't given us;

Firstly - the rim may be 16" but this is a sort of arbitary measurement used in the industry and is likely one of two distinct sizes - ISO 305 and ISO 349 (this is the height of the rim from top to bottom in millimetres). When you measure the rims for the purposes of spoke length calculation, you need to measure the INSIDE size of the rim, not the outside

Secondly - the size of your hub affects the calculation too - both the latitudinal width between the two flanges and the radial distance of the holes from the centre of the axle. Not to mention whether the hub is centred (most geared cassette wheels have offset flanges to fit the gears, meaning spokes on the drive side are shorter than on the non-drive side)

When getting spokes, you really need to have the exact rims and hubs you are going to use in your hands so you can take the appropriate measurements accurately before you use a calculator to find the size you need.

I know this isn't maybe the full answer you hoped for - but the answer really is - get the parts you are using, take the time to make some accurate measurements (using a vernier caliper if possible) so thast using a calculator should throw out the length of spoke you need with no trouble at all.

Failing that- take the rims and hubs to someone that can. Wheelbuilding isn't that expensive and most local bike shops will do it, though some will be thrown at the idea of building small wheels.

Huw

Often you can get the necessary dimensions from the official specs. For instance, many rim manufacturers offer the effective rim diameter for the spokes.

Then there's if the wheel is front or rear, and the particularities of getting good spoke angle in a small wheel.

If the rear wheel has a large flange, build it 1x. If small flange, build it 2x.

For front wheel, if rim brakes, build it radial. If hub brake, build it 1x.

Spokes Etc., one of our local bike shops, does a regular wheelbuilding school. For $199 tuition, plus your own parts (or you can buy from them at a school discount) you get instruction and assistance and come out with one or two new wheels too. Maybe you can find a similar class near you, Vic.

Vic
I used this website spoke calc. and it works. I also used the others in sheldons site just to compare and they came up with the same length. I then had my LBS cut and thread my spokes.

i have the park ts-2 jig and tm-1 tensiometer having good tools does help. I have laced both my front/rear rims on my raleigh twenty with Sun Alloy rims the best upgrade that I have done to date and all worth the trouble.

Get hold of a good dial caliper do the measurements input it on the web its that easy. You really need to have accurate measurements of whats required. the E.R.D. of your particular brand/model of the rim/wheel. find this from the Website of the rim manufacturer or vendor thats were i got dimensions for mine.

then the dimensions of the particular hub your using. either getting the correct dimensions from the manufacturer or measuring it yourself using the dial caliper.


I know it might be confusing at first but give it a try note down all the required dimensions in paper once you have all of whats required all you do is input it in on the spoke calculator and in a second you have the answer its that easy. there is no math required at all the calculator does it for you
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28675377@N04/3298662685/
here's the link

http://www.unicycle.uk.com/SpokeCalc.asp

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28675377@N04/3298662685/

thanks EM42 and everyone. i will try that. i went to my LBS and they want $40/tire just to lace it. if i will buy the spokes from them it is $1.15/spoke. at that cost i might as well do it myself. i will let you all know how it goes.

thanks again,
vic

@ EM42: your non-folding twenty is splendid! You should post some images in the sticky 'name your folder' thread. (I just invited you to join my flickr group - hope you don't mind...

@ EM42: your non-folding twenty is splendid! You should post some images in the sticky 'name your folder' thread. (I just invited you to join my flickr group - hope you don't mind...


LittlePixel thanks Man....i owe it all to you.....Your Battleship Grey R20 photos on flickr started my obsession on the R20 so I also blame my partial insanity to you as well if you don't mind !! LOL

f i will buy the spokes from them it is $1.15/spoke.

gaerlan.com sells SS spokes @0.55 cents per spoke cut to lenght and threaded get it from them. they recommend 15 guage for small wheels.

$40 per wheel is about right on the labor cost at most places/LBS but if your serious about cycling and have a fleet of bikes then a Park TS-2 self centering Wheel Truing jig might be a good investment

You can also look for local Bike coop=[cooperative] in your area a quick google search should come up with a list
im just so lucky that here in So. Cal we have half a dozen coop shops but I still invested on the equipment I think its worth it as i have a fleet of bikes and my friends also rely on me for basic simple repairs.

most coop shops will let you use their tools for free or for a small flat fee. Bicycle Kitchen coop here in downtown los angeles offers classes on wheel building.

but i learned from some reading books and just copying an existing wheel for spoke placement/pattern. the first wheel build is the hardest. go for it man...it will be the best upgrade you will ever do and will be worth all the effort.

there are about a couple of LBS right by my area but judging from the way they treated when i went in there for some questions - they are the most unapproacheable. i will just try to do it myself. cool. i sure will. thanks for the encouragement. the only thing i will be loosing just in case is time and some loose change. but as what you have said - it's worth it...

thanks again,
vic