SirMike1983 

I've got a spare wheel around that I'd like to swap hubs in. It's a front wheel, 32 spoke, all steel. I'd like to put a Sturmey Archer Dynohub GH6 in it. How difficult a task would that be? I have some experience replacing individual spokes and truing wheels, but nothing as extensive as a complete rebuild. Is there a shortcut method to swapping hubs-- like swapping one spoke at a time and matching them up? Can this task be done without a dish stick (which I don't have, all I have right now is a spoke wrench)? The spoke pattern would be identical to the stock pattern the wheel currently has-- it's either cross 2 or cross 3 (haven't checked). Is this something that could be done competently by a first timer?

HillRider

I've done the same thing with a rear wheel to replace a freewheel hub with a freehub. The flange spacing and spoke hole circle diameters were close enough that it went together with no problems. I unlaced the old wheel and just followed the original spoking pattern.

However, be sure the same is true between your current hub and the Dynohub. If the Dynohub has a significantly different flange and spoke hole circle diameter your current spokes won't work.

BTW, if the wheel is truly "all steel", including the rim, I wouldn't put any time or money into it. I like my brakes to work, even in the wet.

noglider 

This will involve a complete rebuild. There is no shortcut, since the spokes go through the hub first and the rim second. Replacing a rim is easier.

If the flanges of the new hub are larger than on the old one, you might be able to reuse the spokes if you change the cross pattern. For instance, if it's currently 3x, you might be able to go to 2x.

LarDasse74

I think you are thinking about this backwards...

If a wheel has low flange hubs and a particular spoke length, moving to a hub with higher flanges will require shorter spokes. Changing from 3X to 2X will also require shorter spokes, and the result would be spokes that are doubly too long.

If you could change your low-flange hub 3X to a high flange hub 4X it might work, but you cannot lace a 32hole wheel 4X.

noglider 

You are correct, LarDasse74!

SireMike 1983, if it's 2x, you might be able to go to 3x. If it's already 3x, you can't reuse the spokes, because you can't do 4x.

SirMike1983 

Sounds like it might be a job for a shop. I'll have to check around for a local shop. The last couple of shops I've used the wait times were very long-- usually 3 weeks to a month.

JohnDThompson 

The GH6 Dynohub a different flange diameter on each side so the OP will almost certainly need to buy new spokes.

Is there a compelling reason to use the rim from your other wheel? If I were in this position I would just build a new wheel around the Dynohub.

SirMike1983 

The rim is an original Westrick pattern that matches the other wheel. These were original for this type of bike when manufactured. Chrome is in excellent shape. The thing I will do though is if I need to start adding new spokes, I'll just convert both wheels to stainless spokes.

davidad

Replace the spokes with double butted ones. 15-16-15 will work fine.