Spoke length: does 1 or 2mm make a difference?
#1
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Spoke length: does 1 or 2mm make a difference?
Typing that question makes me feel dumb, but I've been wondering now for some time, so please put me out of my misery! I've searched the forums and can't find this topic, but apologies if it's been written about a million times already.
I've built a few wheels now, and am pretty comfortable with it, but have just bought some new Record hubs that I wanna build up with Ambrosia Excellight rims – so basically I don't wanna muck things up because they're expensive.
A mechanic friend of mine told me that you didn't really need two different spoke lengths for the rear wheel, as I had been told. In fact, he claims to often build the front and rear wheels with the same length spokes (he showed me a set of some retro Campy record hubs he'd just built up that he said had the same length front, rear [drive and non-drive]).
The reason this came up was because the LBS didn't have the lengths I need for the rear, or rather, that had the longer length but not the shorter. They seemed to think it would be no problem either, which got me thinking: does 1 or 2mm really make a difference?
I'd really appreciate some first-hand knowledge from an experienced wheel-builder.
I've built a few wheels now, and am pretty comfortable with it, but have just bought some new Record hubs that I wanna build up with Ambrosia Excellight rims – so basically I don't wanna muck things up because they're expensive.
A mechanic friend of mine told me that you didn't really need two different spoke lengths for the rear wheel, as I had been told. In fact, he claims to often build the front and rear wheels with the same length spokes (he showed me a set of some retro Campy record hubs he'd just built up that he said had the same length front, rear [drive and non-drive]).
The reason this came up was because the LBS didn't have the lengths I need for the rear, or rather, that had the longer length but not the shorter. They seemed to think it would be no problem either, which got me thinking: does 1 or 2mm really make a difference?
I'd really appreciate some first-hand knowledge from an experienced wheel-builder.
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It can...keyword = can.
With a 10mm nipple - 1-2mm can mean the difference between thread showing on the barrel end or not...
With a 12mm nipple - it can mean the difference between running out of threads or not...
With a 16mm nipple it can mean the difference between obtaining tension at the last thread - or not engaging the head of the nipple enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCXFK...H7Boe2oBRcEd-L
Here's a video of nipple and thread behavior...just to get started...
Sure it can be done - but plan it out so that the spoke length used represents the average of the low and high aiming point for the nipple used.
I.e., if the spoke lengths are 299 and 297 - and the aim is for a thread or so past the flat of the nipple - then 298 would probably be the spoke length to use.
=8-)
With a 10mm nipple - 1-2mm can mean the difference between thread showing on the barrel end or not...
With a 12mm nipple - it can mean the difference between running out of threads or not...
With a 16mm nipple it can mean the difference between obtaining tension at the last thread - or not engaging the head of the nipple enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCXFK...H7Boe2oBRcEd-L
Here's a video of nipple and thread behavior...just to get started...
Sure it can be done - but plan it out so that the spoke length used represents the average of the low and high aiming point for the nipple used.
I.e., if the spoke lengths are 299 and 297 - and the aim is for a thread or so past the flat of the nipple - then 298 would probably be the spoke length to use.
=8-)
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5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
#3
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Also, you really should encourage that LBS to get a spoke machine. If they give you the, "It's too expensive and we can't justify the cost..." line, there are quite a few here on BF who will tell you that spoke machines pay for themselves 10X over...
=8-)
=8-)
__________________
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
#4
Constant tinkerer
+1
If you're 1mm away from the ideal spoke length, no it will not matter. 2mm away from the lower or upper limit can mean a wheel that cannot be built properly. Basically, you're building wheels from scratch so you might as well get the correct spoke lengths.
This only makes sense if both hubs have the same dimensions, especially in the old days of high flange hubs front and rear. Yes it is possible but this is REALLY bad advice because in many cases it's not true. Again, just get the correct spoke length. There's no reason not to.
If you're 1mm away from the ideal spoke length, no it will not matter. 2mm away from the lower or upper limit can mean a wheel that cannot be built properly. Basically, you're building wheels from scratch so you might as well get the correct spoke lengths.
This only makes sense if both hubs have the same dimensions, especially in the old days of high flange hubs front and rear. Yes it is possible but this is REALLY bad advice because in many cases it's not true. Again, just get the correct spoke length. There's no reason not to.
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+1
If you're 1mm away from the ideal spoke length, no it will not matter. 2mm away from the lower or upper limit can mean a wheel that cannot be built properly. Basically, you're building wheels from scratch so you might as well get the correct spoke lengths.
This only makes sense if both hubs have the same dimensions, especially in the old days of high flange hubs front and rear. Yes it is possible but this is REALLY bad advice because in many cases it's not true. Again, just get the correct spoke length. There's no reason not to.
If you're 1mm away from the ideal spoke length, no it will not matter. 2mm away from the lower or upper limit can mean a wheel that cannot be built properly. Basically, you're building wheels from scratch so you might as well get the correct spoke lengths.
This only makes sense if both hubs have the same dimensions, especially in the old days of high flange hubs front and rear. Yes it is possible but this is REALLY bad advice because in many cases it's not true. Again, just get the correct spoke length. There's no reason not to.
Thanks for the advice though guys. To say the builder here advised me to use the same length would be harsh on him, he merely said that it can be done without any adverse results. Watching that video and hearing what you have to say, I understand the limits a little better. I might try order online, but the last time I ordered spokes online it ended in disaster (they were something like 270mm long, instead of the 290 I needed ...).
So, the calculator at lenni.info says:
Hub: Campagnolo Record 2007+ Rear, rear
Rim: Ambrosio Excellight S.S.C.
Number of spokes: 32
Crosses: 3
Spoke length left: 293.2
Spoke length right: 291.2
If, the LBS doesn't have 293 and 291, is it safe enough to go with 292 all round, or better to risk ordering online again?
(thanks again)
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IF.. you ERD figures put the spoke end at the very top of the nipple.. IMO two short works. Again.. IF.. the threads cover... and depending on that thread length on the spokes. No it isn't perfect... but with firm spoke tension and the spoke end up past the rim thickness.. for me this condition has been functional with no problems.
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Well, in some cases it's OK, but for a quality build, I'd just get the right size, rounded down, for a new build. I round down because I hate to run out of threads. It's also best to actually measure your ERD on the rim since the published specs may not match the rim you actually buy.
That being said, I have built wheels with Shimano front and rear hubs using the same length spoke for front and rear- in my case the front hub laced 2-cross took a 295 mm spoke, the drive side rear 3X was 294 and the non-drive side rear was 296. I bought 295 for all, and mashed the threading on the drive side rear (not generally recommended). The wheel is fine, but it was for a beater wheel I don't expect much from.
That being said, I have built wheels with Shimano front and rear hubs using the same length spoke for front and rear- in my case the front hub laced 2-cross took a 295 mm spoke, the drive side rear 3X was 294 and the non-drive side rear was 296. I bought 295 for all, and mashed the threading on the drive side rear (not generally recommended). The wheel is fine, but it was for a beater wheel I don't expect much from.
#8
Biking Viking.
I've used spokes off by a couple/few mm a bunch of times and it worked out. But I was usually just reusing spokes to be cheap. If I had nice parts like you do and a clean slate, I'd put a little more effort into getting the properly sized spokes.
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On a DT 12mm nipple with 8mm of thread measured to nipple end and DT spoke with 9mm of thread there's exactly 2mm between the bottom of the slot and the spoke reaching the end of it's threads.
If you use alloy nipples and the spokes end below the rim they can break (although brass spokes give you more latitude).
Finally rims vary in ERD, sometimes significantly. If your spokes end at the top of the nipples and the next rim is a bit past 2mm smaller the spokes will bottom.
The reason this came up was because the LBS didn't have the lengths I need for the rear, or rather, that had the longer length but not the shorter. They seemed to think it would be no problem either, which got me thinking: does 1 or 2mm really make a difference?
If you're using brass nipples, the drive side end up at the end of the nipples, and the non-drive side spokes end 1mm below the slot you'll be fine.
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That was kinda the point: I can't get the exact length! The service here in Italy might not be up to what many might expect, and it's not uncommon to be given what they think you should have, rather than what you've asked for.
Thanks for the advice though guys. To say the builder here advised me to use the same length would be harsh on him, he merely said that it can be done without any adverse results. Watching that video and hearing what you have to say, I understand the limits a little better. I might try order online, but the last time I ordered spokes online it ended in disaster (they were something like 270mm long, instead of the 290 I needed ...).
So, the calculator at lenni.info says:
Hub: Campagnolo Record 2007+ Rear, rear
Rim: Ambrosio Excellight S.S.C.
Number of spokes: 32
Crosses: 3
Spoke length left: 293.2
Spoke length right: 291.2
If, the LBS doesn't have 293 and 291, is it safe enough to go with 292 all round, or better to risk ordering online again?
(thanks again)
Thanks for the advice though guys. To say the builder here advised me to use the same length would be harsh on him, he merely said that it can be done without any adverse results. Watching that video and hearing what you have to say, I understand the limits a little better. I might try order online, but the last time I ordered spokes online it ended in disaster (they were something like 270mm long, instead of the 290 I needed ...).
So, the calculator at lenni.info says:
Hub: Campagnolo Record 2007+ Rear, rear
Rim: Ambrosio Excellight S.S.C.
Number of spokes: 32
Crosses: 3
Spoke length left: 293.2
Spoke length right: 291.2
If, the LBS doesn't have 293 and 291, is it safe enough to go with 292 all round, or better to risk ordering online again?
(thanks again)
It depends on how the actual rims you have measure (at at least two points) when you thread a pair of spokes into the nipples you plan on using to the slots (or ends if that's your goal) and add twice that spoke length to the measurement across the elbows with your dial calipers.
It also depends on what spokes you're using - 2.0/1.5 spokes stretch nearly 1mm on the drive side and half that on the non-drive side.
Last edited by Drew Eckhardt; 02-13-12 at 03:38 PM.
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I've gotten cocky before and eyeballed smoke lengths- I had a stock of spokes with maybe 20mm of threads for a while. Usually it worked out, but when it didn't it was a pain in the backside to file/dremel down the nub of spoke coming through the nipple.
It's not a deal breaker if you have enough thread, but if you have single wall rims or grossly miscalculated, be ready to file/cut.
It's not a deal breaker if you have enough thread, but if you have single wall rims or grossly miscalculated, be ready to file/cut.
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A mechanic friend of mine told me that you didn't really need two different spoke lengths for the rear wheel, as I had been told. In fact, he claims to often build the front and rear wheels with the same length spokes (he showed me a set of some retro Campy record hubs he'd just built up that he said had the same length front, rear [drive and non-drive]).
Cutting the ends off of spokes is not a problem, running out of threads is.
#15
Senior Member
Go with the 292's. you will be ok. The perfect build has the tension high, the wheels true and the spoke ends even with the end of the nipples. I rarely build the perfect wheel and they last just fine.
I've built wheels for 225 and up rides with no problems. One with the power tap required a heavier rim. He kept cracking the Open Pro rims and the power tap doesn't come in a 36 hole hub.
I've built wheels for 225 and up rides with no problems. One with the power tap required a heavier rim. He kept cracking the Open Pro rims and the power tap doesn't come in a 36 hole hub.
#16
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I wouldn't use a calculator with a database since there can be a 4mm difference between published numbers (there isn't a standard for aiming for the slot or nipple end) which is the difference between a perfect wheel and one that doesn't build because you run out of thread or break nipples.
It depends on how the actual rims you have measure (at at least two points) when you thread a pair of spokes into the nipples you plan on using to the slots and add twice that spoke length to the measurement across the nipples with your dial calipers.
It also depends on what spokes you're using - 2.0/1.5 spokes stretch nearly 1mm on the drive side and half that on the non-drive side.
It depends on how the actual rims you have measure (at at least two points) when you thread a pair of spokes into the nipples you plan on using to the slots and add twice that spoke length to the measurement across the nipples with your dial calipers.
It also depends on what spokes you're using - 2.0/1.5 spokes stretch nearly 1mm on the drive side and half that on the non-drive side.
I measure the same way you do (I even glue in the spokes so they don't move) and the ERD on the lenni calculator has always been the same as my measurement in the past. I haven't measured the Excellights myself, but a few online sources have the ERD as the same (600). The guy in the shop has a book with rim ERDs and the correct spoke/nipple combos and he still insisted I'd be ok ... but now I'm more unsure than ever!
I guess I could try to roll the online dice again ...
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I didn't know that about the butted spokes, and I hadn't thought about the standard, so they're certainly two interesting points to consider.
I measure the same way you do (I even glue in the spokes so they don't move) and the ERD on the lenni calculator has always been the same as my measurement in the past. I haven't measured the Excellights myself, but a few online sources have the ERD as the same (600). The guy in the shop has a book with rim ERDs and the correct spoke/nipple combos and he still insisted I'd be ok ... but now I'm more unsure than ever!
I guess I could try to roll the online dice again ...
I measure the same way you do (I even glue in the spokes so they don't move) and the ERD on the lenni calculator has always been the same as my measurement in the past. I haven't measured the Excellights myself, but a few online sources have the ERD as the same (600). The guy in the shop has a book with rim ERDs and the correct spoke/nipple combos and he still insisted I'd be ok ... but now I'm more unsure than ever!
I guess I could try to roll the online dice again ...
You need a reference so you can determine what lies in the middle...for this particular task at hand...
=8-)
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5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
#18
incazzare.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/childhood_dr..._sop=15&_rdc=1
He says he ships internationally, but it might take a while. He will cut & thread spokes to whatever length you want.
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DANS Comp sells Sapin Stainless 2.0's for one great price... shipping is very reasonable too. Every order I have made with them goes out that same day. Any length you want too. Sapin Strongs also.. not listed in their catalog.. just tell the order clerk you want them. Half a buck for them...
https://www.danscomp.com/products/435...14G_Spoke.html
https://www.danscomp.com/products/435...14G_Spoke.html
Last edited by SortaGrey; 02-14-12 at 09:58 AM.
#20
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DANS Comp sells Sapin Stainless 2.0's for one great price... shipping is very reasonable too. Every order I have made with them goes out that same day. Any length you want too. Sapin Strongs also.. not listed in their catalog.. just tell the order clerk you want them. Half a buck for them...
https://www.danscomp.com/products/435...14G_Spoke.html
https://www.danscomp.com/products/435...14G_Spoke.html
All the opinions and advice are appreciated, btw.
#21
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Wheelsmith nipples are effectively 1mm longer than DT nipples. Use the wheelsmiths if there is some thread showing with the DT's. You can file down a spoke that is too long I use the sidewalk. https://zerodish.wordpress.com/
#22
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Wheelsmith nipples are effectively 1mm longer than DT nipples. Use the wheelsmiths if there is some thread showing with the DT's. You can file down a spoke that is too long I use the sidewalk. https://zerodish.wordpress.com/
After all this, I think I've found the one shop in the city that will suffer the extreme inconvenience of having to sell its customer what he wants. Let's see if this friendliness transfers from the phone to a face-to-face encounter. Fingers (3) crossed.
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If you are building with alloy nipples, get longer spokes. If they don't thread all the way through the nipple, the nipple can and will break in short order.
BL
BL
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you might have asked "can one straw break a camel's back?" because the situation is similar.
From the ideal size - which I define as the spoke ending between the bottom of the slot and the top of the nipple - there's a tolerance of -1 or +2mm (the +2 depends on the thread depth of the spoke and nipple). So in theory 1-2mm should be OK, or at least 1mm is OK.
But, let's say that your calculation, or existing spokes are already at the short end of the range, ending about 1mm short of the slot. Now you're 1mm tolerance to the short end is already gone, so another 1mm would be a deal breaker. The same can happen at the long end of the range.
That's why, whenever anybody asks about rounding up or down, or going to the nearest available length spoke, I say that you need to know where you're starting from. If the existing spokes or calculation are at one end of the range, you must adjust back toward the center.
From the ideal size - which I define as the spoke ending between the bottom of the slot and the top of the nipple - there's a tolerance of -1 or +2mm (the +2 depends on the thread depth of the spoke and nipple). So in theory 1-2mm should be OK, or at least 1mm is OK.
But, let's say that your calculation, or existing spokes are already at the short end of the range, ending about 1mm short of the slot. Now you're 1mm tolerance to the short end is already gone, so another 1mm would be a deal breaker. The same can happen at the long end of the range.
That's why, whenever anybody asks about rounding up or down, or going to the nearest available length spoke, I say that you need to know where you're starting from. If the existing spokes or calculation are at one end of the range, you must adjust back toward the center.
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Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
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#25
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Thanks everyone. in the end, I managed to get speaking to a human being in Chain Reaction Cycles (a big online store here in Europe), who measured the rim and calculated spoke length for me based on the hubs I have and the nipple length etc. He was nice enough to get the stuff out of the warehouse and do it himself, so I'm confident that they'll be ok.
So: Pair of new Campy Record hubs, 32-hole open pro rims with DT competition spokes, 3 cross. And thanks to some thrifty shopping, all had for under €300 (is that about $400 US?). Not sure what that's like in the States, but for here it's a pretty good bargain. One place wanted €270 for the rear hub alone. With some love and attention, I should have some pretty nice wheels.
Just out of interest, I made the above choices based on a desire to combine as best I could reliability, reasonable weight and cost-effectiveness. I'd love to hear of anyone else's preferred wheel component combos, and what they weigh, how they perform etc. Ever since I built my first one last year, I never cease to be amazed just how great hand-built wheels can be.
So: Pair of new Campy Record hubs, 32-hole open pro rims with DT competition spokes, 3 cross. And thanks to some thrifty shopping, all had for under €300 (is that about $400 US?). Not sure what that's like in the States, but for here it's a pretty good bargain. One place wanted €270 for the rear hub alone. With some love and attention, I should have some pretty nice wheels.
Just out of interest, I made the above choices based on a desire to combine as best I could reliability, reasonable weight and cost-effectiveness. I'd love to hear of anyone else's preferred wheel component combos, and what they weigh, how they perform etc. Ever since I built my first one last year, I never cease to be amazed just how great hand-built wheels can be.