Originally Posted by
KaisoArt
Online calculator gave me the below info. If I'm reading it right, the spoke lengths for a 3 cross build are 286.8 and 288.5. Universal Cycles lists Wheelsmith spokes available in 286 and 288 sizes. How necessary is it to have exact lengths? Opinions on nipples compatible for these components?
I find that most spoke calculators are a little generous on length. If you round down (286.8 to 286) you should be OK. You'll not really know until you have the wheel together and can see the spoke depth in the nipple, but I'd bet you'll be right close.
Brass nipples are what you'll be wantin'.
What mr. rabbit suggests about LBS with spoke machine makes sense, but is impractical for some. Then you have to know exactly what you want and that comes from experience with the exact hub and rim combo. Most of us don't have his experience so we pay our dues and end up with a spoke "collection."