Wheel building

GaryGkn
GaryGkn Posts: 1,199
edited September 2007 in Workshop
I am going to attempt a wheel building project.

20" Alex rims
1 x front
1 x fixed rear

My dielema is do I buy hi flange or low flange hubs? I want hi flange but I am unsure about the spokes would I need to then cut 20' spokes down to fit? I think that low flange will be easier to get spokes for. Where do you buy spoke sets from?

Any help much appreciated Gary

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    well first decide what hub you are going to use. then work out the length that is needed and order them. nost online shops do them or pehaps your LBS might have some in stock.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    Why do you want hi-flange - what advantages do you think they will give?
  • GaryGkn
    GaryGkn Posts: 1,199
    I like the look of Hi flange but the only advantage that I think I can see is that on the rear wheel If a spoke brakes it may be easier to replace without taking off the rear sprocket.
  • GaryGkn
    GaryGkn Posts: 1,199
    Does anyone have any thoughts on hi and low flange hubs?
  • Uranus
    Uranus Posts: 887
    GaryGkn wrote:
    I like the look of Hi flange but the only advantage that I think I can see is that on the rear wheel If a spoke brakes it may be easier to replace without taking off the rear sprocket.

    Yes that's basically it. A disadvantage is that you may not be able to cross the spokes as you want with high flange hubs on small rims without blocking the spoke heads, making it impossible to replace a single spoke.

    I will also just mention Jobst Brandt's book "The Bicycle Wheel", well worth reading for a de-mythologising of wheels building, however it will cost you £20 or quid or so. There is some very good free wheelbuilding advice via sheldonbrown.com.
  • Uranus
    Uranus Posts: 887
    GaryGkn wrote:
    Where do you buy spoke sets from?

    If your local bike shop can't help with short spokes try Spa Cycles:

    http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php ... b0s156p536
  • GaryGkn
    GaryGkn Posts: 1,199
    Many thanks Uranus.
    Have ordered a wheel building book from Amazon and have a copy of the Jobst bible.
    I am actually going for low flange as the hi were only available in black.

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