Old 02-13-12 | 01:43 PM
  #10  
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Drew Eckhardt
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Mountain View, CA USA and Golden, CO USA

Bikes: 97 Litespeed, 50-39-30x13-26 10 cogs, Campagnolo Ultrashift, retroreflective rims on SON28/PowerTap hubs

Originally Posted by AS Collie
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)
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) and actual 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 (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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