Need a source for spokes
 

The hubset and rims are here and I calculated the spoke lengths at 285 front, 285 rear left and 284 rear right. Every on line source I've tried (Bike Tools, Cambria, Jenson, Nashar etc,) is out of those sizes in double butted black spokes. Does anybody have a good source for spokes? I'm ready to start building.

Lbs

https://secure11.nexternal.com/share...unt2=385627388
they custom cut, but they seemto be out of black DB spokes in that length right now.

or mike at oddsandendos
http://oddsandendos.safeshopper.com/20/cat20.htm?79

WHEELBUILDER.COM

D

icycleusa.com

aebike.com

Not a chance. Thanks to the others for the recommendations. I'll check them all out.

Incidentally, AEbike seems to be the place for spokes. They have DT Swiss and Wheelsmith in about every model and size conceivable. Since the DT Swiss aren't in odd sizes (at least on the site) I rounded down and bought a 72 piece package of 284mm DT Competition in black. It includes the nipples. I will have no option but to do the front wheel in radial or 0X so that the spokes will work both front and rear. Thanks for the tip.

One remaining question. Are spoke washers something that should be used all the time or does it depend on how much play the spoke head has in the hole?

I only use spoke washers when my spokes are dirty.

Bada Binggggggg

:D

Seriously though, I've built a lot of wheels. Wheels for racing, wheels for touring, off-road, on-road, and I've never used spoke washers. But I'm a young retrogrouch.

I changed my mind about the size of the spokes and switched to 286mm. I'm going to use washers to make up some of the extra length. I read "The Art of Wheelbuilding" last night and the author is a big proponent of washers (and tying and soldering which I don't intend to do.) He says using them and a puch for the spoke heads insures that there is absolutely no play between the hub hole and the spoke head. The point he keeps hammering home is that a properly made wheel will last a long time without maintenance while one that isn't so well made is a failure waiting to happen. He thinks a rim should wear out from brake friction before the wheel should need retruing. Since I'm a rank beginner at wheel building, I think I'll follow his advice and see how it goes. Can't hurt. I have some good components (Am. Classic Ultralight hubset, Mavic rims and these DT Swiss spokes) and I should end up with a good wheelset, even as a rank beginner if I take my time and don't skip anything.

I don't see any reason to lengthen the spokes to add washers. They go after the "J" bend at the hub, right? I'd stay with the shorter spokes. Slightly short is better than slightly long (with spokes that is).

Al