Wheelbuilding Supplies

stoobydale
stoobydale Posts: 535
edited May 2008 in Workshop
I plan to have a go at building a set of wheels. Could any of you wheelbuilders out there advise me on the best place to buy spokes? I am going to build some winter wheels with Campag Mirage hubs, what would you recommend for rims and spokes, i weigh just a tad over 13 stone if that makes a difference.

Comments

  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    The cheapest option is ACI spokes from Velomax. I've used them in a few builds now with no problems. For the premium quality DT spokes I use Chain Reaction or Parker International.

    You might find it easier to use plain gauge spokes for your first build (i.e. DT Champion) as spoke twist is much less of an issue. It would be perfectly possible to build a first set with double butted though - just remember the quarter-turn-extrra-quarter-turn-back procedure in final tensioning to reduce the wind-up.
  • Tom Butcher
    Tom Butcher Posts: 3,830
    Do you all use a jig - and if so what would you recommend for a beginner - ie good enough without the expense of a shop quality one.
    it's a hard life if you don't weaken.
  • GaryGkn
    GaryGkn Posts: 1,199
    Forks?
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    I use a Park TS-2 and wouldn't want to be without it. Having said that, if you look at Roger Musson's ebook (www.wheelpro.co.uk) he describes how to makeone that does the same job at a fraction of the cost.
  • acorn_user
    acorn_user Posts: 1,137
    The Alpina spokes on my wheels have held up nicely. I suppose that they are close to the quality of DT and Sapim spokes. As for the rims, aside from the omnipresent Mavic Open Pro, you could try an Ambrosio Excellence or DRC ST17. But for the money, I think the best choice around is the Rigida Chrina. It's only around 12-15 pounds, and is tough and reasonably light. Importantly, they tend to come fairly straight from the factory, which makes wheel building easier.
  • stoobydale
    stoobydale Posts: 535
    Does anyone have any experience with "Halo" rims. I was also considering a 2 cross pattern, is this too ambitious for a first build?


    What size spoke key do I need for DT Comp spokes?
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    3.23 - the black Park spoke key (sw-0) is the one you want. Others like the red DT Spokey.
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    Which particular Halo rims, stoobydale? Nothing particularly inherently complex about a 2 cross build - but does that imply less than 32 spokes (which may make it a bit more tricky, though can't say I found building an 18 spoker that hard)? If you're planning on building a 32 spoker 2 cross then I have to ask why?
  • NervexProf
    NervexProf Posts: 4,202
    robbarker wrote:
    3.23 - the black Park spoke key (sw-0) is the one you want. Others like the red DT Spokey.

    Strongly second the red DT Spokey - a gem of a tool - always carry it around on my keyring.
    Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom
  • stoobydale
    stoobydale Posts: 535
    Aracer, "Halo Aerorage" rims are the ones that I am considering. They are 32 spoke. I prefer the look of 2 cross, but for a first build I would take the easier route if there was one. Is there any advantage to 3 cross?
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    stoobydale wrote:
    Is there any advantage to 3 cross?

    It gives a stronger wheel. If you go to 28 or 24h, 2x is the norm, 32 or 36h, 3x is the standard build.

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