Spocalc, short or long?
08-05-11, 09:18 PM
#1
Wood
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Spocalc, short or long?
I ran spocalc and it says 273.9 mm for 3 cross.
I seem to remember that some found the length a little long? or short?
If it matters, it is for a 590 cr-18 rim, and a SA S-2 hub.
Thanks, numbers confuse me.
I seem to remember that some found the length a little long? or short?
If it matters, it is for a 590 cr-18 rim, and a SA S-2 hub.
Thanks, numbers confuse me.
08-05-11, 10:33 PM
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Stop reading my posts!
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I always tend to buy SHORTER (by a mm or 2, occasionally even 3) as a rule of thumb when using Spocalc (as well as some other spoke software, too. They tend to "go too long" in their estimations, ATMO). Got to use the eRichie thing! 
Last edited by unworthy1; 08-05-11 at 10:47 PM. Reason: exactly the opposite of what I said first, typical!
08-05-11, 10:36 PM
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If there is a problem, it likely is in their database. One time (among the many) when I used it, I ended up w/rear wheel spokes too long, but usable. My last wheel build, I gave the hub/rim wheelbuilding numbers to Peter White and let him worry about it at $1 a spoke. The spokes he sent me were spot on.
Last edited by robatsu; 08-05-11 at 10:40 PM.
08-06-11, 05:32 AM
#4
Disraeli Gears
+1, it's probably the database, which means that depending on the specific rims or hubs, Spocalc might be long or short. I have assembled several wheels, with typical rims and hubs, and I double-check the ERD of rims and the spoke-hole circle diameter and hole diameter of hubs myself. I've created entries in the hub and rim worksheets a few times, either because they didn't exist, or my measurement differed. Then I round down when ordering spokes. Haven't had any too long (or too short) yet.
08-06-11, 07:14 AM
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When trued up, my Spocalc spec ended up long enough that the ends were flush to nipples. I was out of screwdriver room, nut they work justt fine. YMMV
08-06-11, 07:20 AM
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Wood
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I didn't use the database, entered my own numbers from the posted specs from the mfg'rs.
I think I'll trust the output, but round down the fraction.
I think I'll trust the output, but round down the fraction.
08-06-11, 09:17 AM
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I have had some pretty strange results, using spocalc, but have assumed the error was my own. I will keep the "round down" suggestion in mind.
08-06-11, 09:23 AM
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I use spocalc but measure everything, ERD included regardless of whether or not the stuff is in the database. Never a problem.
08-06-11, 09:33 AM
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^ This. But I still tend to round down a mm.
08-06-11, 09:37 AM
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I never trust the spocalc database, but I've got some spoke lengths that were too long out of it enough times that I don't use it anymore.
i prefer this one https://www.prowheelbuilder.com/spokelengthcalculator/
i prefer this one https://www.prowheelbuilder.com/spokelengthcalculator/
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08-06-11, 09:58 AM
#12
incazzare.
I'm so glad this has come up. I'm thinking of re-lacing some wheels (for the first time) and this info will help a lot--thanks!
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08-06-11, 12:45 PM
#13
Wood
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I tried that calculator ZB, and it spit out a longer spoke than spocalc!
Sumpin's screwy.
Sumpin's screwy.
There's no shortage of online spoke calculators.
08-06-11, 01:26 PM
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Spocalc has been consistently 2mm too long when I use the figures in the database. I still use its calculator but do my own measurements to be sure.
Neal
Neal
08-06-11, 06:48 PM
#16
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FWIW I used spocalc with numbers I input myself, and it was way long, so much so that I went from 3X to 4X to be able to build my wheel.
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