sac02

I ask because my LBS has a single 32h velocity deep-v rim that they are trying to get rid of for $20. It would be perfect for my budget build of a front wheel, except for the fact that the hub I plan to re-use is 36h.

Is there any way (lacing pattern, I guess) that would allow me to use this 32h rim on my 36h hub?

Mac

The Great Stonk

basically, if you want the wheel to be strong and stay reasonably true, no, you shouldnt do it.

TallRider

It's easier to do this than to use a 36h rim with a 32h hub, because you don't need to worry about the hub keeping in true. You do need to worry about the hub flange breaking (though probably not too much of a worry with a good forged hub-shell) and especially you need to worry about different spoke lengths.
But buy the correct thing, or look for someone with whom to swap. Hubs would be easier to swap.
I've picked up a couple of good-quality front hubs at Nashbar for $10 or less in the past six months. They've still got the Specialized hub for cheap.

dbg

So I'm thinking it's not even feasible anyway. You'd have two open holes on each side of the hub. That's one open hole for each direction set (assuming some cross pattern) which doesn't strike me as possible for a symmetric pattern for exactly equal length spokes. (maybe I'd need to go grab a rim-hub in that combo to try and play it out)

TallRider

As I said, it's doable, bout would require variable spoke lengths. So not perfectly symmetrical. But doesn't mean unfeasible.

HillRider

I'd see if the LBS has a front wheel someone trashed the rim on or an old NOS front hub hidden in a bottom drawer. I expect you can get a good condition used hub for nearly nothing and a new one for very little money. Either would be better than trying to create the mis-match you describe.

same time

Good front hubs are sooooooo cheap. Ten or twenty dollars.

https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/hubs.html

Or 30 bucks for an IRO high-flange track hub, if that's what you're building.

MnHPVA Guy

https://sheldonbrown.com/rinard/36-24.htm might give you some ideas.

Akadis

Just did it, had a 26" 32 hole rim, a 36 hole hub with one hole ripped out, and spokes from a 24" wheel. After a bit of fiddling I arrived at a semi radial 1x pattern.

Akadis

PS: the hole was ripped out by a deliberate blow from an axe, assumed to be a disposal method used by a local LBS!

bellweatherman

Wow. Nice job!

MnHPVA Guy

Did the X1 pattern allow you to use the same spoke length in all the holes? I'd like to use 40 hole SA hubs in 36h rims. Because of the high flange diameter X1 should work just fine.

Akadis

Yes, all the same length. You are right, the 1x makes it possible.

Where there is an open vacant hole, the pairs straddling the hole are one hole further apart, which means those pairs will need to be longer; I guess 1 or 2mm with the 1x, and more if you use more-x's. I think there is a 2mm leeway whatever you use: there can be 1mm of threads showing, or 1mm poking out inside the rim (to be ground/cut off) and you're OK. Also you can mix long and short nipples to make up the difference. Hope this helps, good luck!