Originally Posted by Shiznaz
I'm probably going to be collecting parts for a phil/deep-v wheelset soon but I'm not sure on how I should lace them. I'll probably get 32 front 36 rear but I don't know what kind of spokes I should use or what length I will need.
I figure that I better do 3x in the back but I find front radially laced wheels so nice to look at, I'm just not sure of their strength. I weigh 145 pounds (around 160 when loaded up with lock etc.) so I was thinking that butted spokes could keep the weight down and push the cool factor up.
If anyone has any spokes they can reccomend in particular it would be helpful (also if they come in packs of ~72) and also any advice for the lacing and length. thanks
145? You will be fine. I built my wheelset w/ 14ga spokes, 32H, radial front, 3x rear. I am about 150 and have put at least a couple hundred miles on my front wheel including some potholes, and have not even had to touch it up. I carry plenty of junk too.
The best deal I found on spokes (I shop around obsessively) was at
www.icyclesusa.com - they sell them by the spoke and cut them to order, so if you need a couple different sizes (as you will with radial/3x) you don't end up having to buy more spokes than you will need. They have really good prices on DT spokes (which I went with) and even better prices on generics, although if you're building nice wheels, why bother with cheapies? DT is reliable/strong, and my spokes are sexy-looking.
As someone else said, 14ga is a little burly but I'm quite pleased. If you're the type to worry about spoke weight, you'll still be fine with 15ga or double-butted spokes, since you're a light guy.
As for length, go here
http://sheldonbrown.com/rinard/spocalc.htm and use spocalc.xls, or get the file directly here -
http://sheldonbrown.com/rinard/spocalc.xls