Originally Posted by
JonnyHK
Thanks for the suggestions and advice.
I'll chat to the mechanic/wheelbuilder to see what he can easily get (I am guessing that the Alpine III might not be easy to get here), but I'll be definitely double butted and will ask about the triple butted.
Several known wheel builders, including engineer Jobst Brandt, and Roger Musson, thinks that DT Swiss' "Alpine III" spoke is an abomination that solves no problems; regular double butted (2/1.8mm or 1.8/1.6m) are lighter, more aerodynamic and are likely to be more fatigue resistant since they can flex better. Since good quality DB spokes should last 50.000-100.000 km, they will outlast your IGH by far.
DT Swiss and Sapim spokes makes very good DB spokes; the "secret" to their good reputation is because they buy their spoke wire from metal specialist SMT Sandvik. But if your wheelbuilder only carries Wheelsmith spokes I would go with them too.
My suggestion is 36H 3X with 2/1.8 mm spokes and brass nipples.
Regarding your Nexus IGH, then be aware that they don't last long if used for serious off road/Cyclo-Cross; especially the early versions can be "torqued to death" and their sealing was quite bad.
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Regards