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-   -   Determining Spoke length? (https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/1308320-determining-spoke-length.html)

Steve_sr 05-21-25 01:28 PM

Determining Spoke length?
 
Hello,

I need to obtain a few spare spokes for an upcoming tour. The rims are Velocity Dyad. The rear hub is a White Industries CLD. The front hub is a SON 28 12.

Is there a way to look up or calculate the required lengths rather than an imprecise measurement? Unfortunately the wheel builder didn't include any spares with the wheels.

Thanks,
Steve

maddog34 05-21-25 01:46 PM

Search: "Spoke length calculator" online
some even have a Database that might include your rim/hub combo.

or be bold, remove one, or Two if it's a rear wheel(one from each side), and measure from the Elbow to the tip of the threads...

standard replacement spokes come in pre-cut lengths every two millimeters, unless the length is a very common one, then they come in 1mm steps... 260-261-262-263-264 is one of those exceptions,,, typical old school, single wall rim, MTB sizes...

Bill Kapaun 05-21-25 02:01 PM

Can you contact the builder and ask?
Maybe they'd even send you a couple spares gratis?

Depending on the builder and intended purpose of the wheel set, there's a possibility different gauge spokes are used.
I tend to build my wheels with a lighter gauge spoke on the front and NDS rear.

Steve_sr 05-21-25 05:05 PM


Originally Posted by Bill Kapaun (Post 23525344)
Can you contact the builder and ask?

It is Peter White Cycles. I dug out the invoice and sent them an email. We'll see what happens...

Moe Zhoost 05-21-25 06:24 PM

I'd probably trust one of the spoke calculators that I've used. I like this one but I always try a number of them to compare results (which are typically all close to each other). My skeptical nature would not completely trust any builder though, but knowing that it's Peter White adds a lot of confidence. I hope he can come through for you.

In my volunteer work rehabbing donated bikes for charity organizations, I encounter a lot of broken spokes. I find it more expedient to remove another good spoke and measure it since it would take way more time to determine the parameters to then plug into a calculator.

Have fun on your tour.

Andrew R Stewart 05-21-25 07:13 PM


Originally Posted by Steve_sr (Post 23525316)
Hello,

I need to obtain a few spare spokes for an upcoming tour. The rims are Velocity Dyad. The rear hub is a White Industries CLD. The front hub is a SON 28 12.

Is there a way to look up or calculate the required lengths rather than an imprecise measurement? Unfortunately the wheel builder didn't include any spares with the wheels.

Thanks,
Steve

First thought is to ask the wheel builder for the specs. Next is to visit a shop who will measure the old and be able to compare the new with the old, before buying.

I find it curious that published specs are assumed to be more correct, an assumption at times IME, than a direct measurement. But if a local shop doesn't do much wheel work or have book smart service people than I guess not trusting them makes sense. Andy (noting the irony I just alluded to...)

Steve_sr 05-28-25 06:22 PM


Originally Posted by Steve_sr (Post 23525470)
It is Peter White Cycles. I dug out the invoice and sent them an email. We'll see what happens...

Peter & Co. sent the spoke specs. I am having an LBS find/make me some spares.

Winfried 05-29-25 03:59 AM


Originally Posted by Steve_sr (Post 23525316)
I need to obtain a few spare spokes for an upcoming tour. The rims are Velocity Dyad. The rear hub is a White Industries CLD. The front hub is a SON 28 12. Is there a way to look up or calculate the required lengths rather than an imprecise measurement? Unfortunately the wheel builder didn't include any spares with the wheels.

Here's an easy way to have a close-enough answer:
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...36b1d83611.png


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