Suggestions for spokes for a moderately light build?
 

Just got some Novatec hubs, and getting the Velocity a23 rims. Suggestions for some decently priced light spokes?

Spoke count is 24/28.

Any DB 14/15/14 spoke will do

I like lighter spokes for all my builds due to the extra elongation they will exhibit under full tension. That extra elongation helps protect the spoke against going slack when the wheel is compressed under stress while riding. In turn that helps prevent spoke fatigue and eventual breakage. Unless you are HUGE, 2.0/1.5/2.0 mm round spokes should do just fine for you and not cost a fortune. Look for Sapim Lasers or DT Revolutions.

Keep this in mind: the lighter spokes I am recommending have the same thickness at both ends as the 2.0/1.8/2.0 mm spokes recommended by noodle soup above. They are just thinner in the middle. Considering that I have never heard of a spoke breaking in the middle, only at the ends, what is the point of that additional thickness where the spoke doesn't need it?

The aero version of the Sapim Laser is the CX-Ray. It is even stronger than the Laser due to extra working of the steel, but it costs as much as $2.00 more per spoke. Choose what works for your budget. They are both really excellent.

Sapim Race

And buy them here, they're cheaper.

https://www.danscomp.com/products-PA...e_(Black).html

Duplicate

Ti Skewers

If this is your first build, you might want to stick with noodlesoup's 14/15/14 gauge (2.0/1.8/2.0mm) spokes. The 2.0/1.5/2.0 spokes that Mr. rpenmanparker suggested wind up much more easily, so they make fine truing a more concentration demanding task.

That is true.

DT 2.0/1.5mm Revolution. Lubricate the threads with grease or anti-seize to limit windup, and put a tape flag on the first spoke (front) or two (rear) following the valve hole to monitor windup as the build progresses so you can compensate.

The DTs have a smooth transition between thick and thin sections which looks better than the abrupt transition on Sapin/Wheelsmith spokes.

Most boutique wheels not made with proprietary parts now use 2.0/1.5mm spokes, although they've been flattened into a more aero shape which adds $2 a spoke in small quantities.

I use DT (or Wheelsmith) 2.0-1.5 Revolutions for all but the right rear which are 2.0-1.8. I've been using these or equivalents for 40 years. Works well for me. (Not a wheel killer and 150 pounds.)

Ben

Thanks guys. DT Rev is what I had thought of 4.5 g per spoke. The wheelset will not be ulta light, but should be sub 1500 or so.

Not building the wheels myself. Getting a LBS to do it. I think they have the competence to handle the issues. I hope they do.

The offset a23s are not in stock and expected in 3 weeks. Is it worth the wait? I know the theoretical advantages of an offset rim, but have also read reports of them cracking, so is there any practical advantage which I will see. Not like I put out a gigawatt of power.

The Sapim Laser is a better, stronger spoke with the same dimensions and same weight. It is also very readily available from Bike Hub Store and others.

Sorry, but in the USA I would not let an LBS build wheels for me unless they were famous for wheel building. Most shops just don't do it well enough to suit me. Where you are may be different.

has anyone tried ordering spokes from Danscomp? I wonder if they stock the lengths roadies need. I heard about them as a source for spokes at great prices, but I don't know of anyone that has ordered from them.

$.40-$.50 a spoke(with brass nipple), is about equal to dealer cost, and you don't need to buy 20 of each length.

If I can remember, I'll call. Someone send me a PM reminder...please. :)

I'd make the call myself, but I can't justify another wheelset now. I just picked up a 38mm wheelset from Workswell, and was loaned a demo wheelset from ENVE.

Yeah...so what's your point? ;)