Spokes advice

[Skully]

Hello all.

I'm looking at finding some spokes at the mo', and I really don't want to buy boxes of 100... you see the problem is, I'm building wheels that will need three different length of spoke: I have an assymetric Phil Wood Hi-Lo rear hub, 36, and Phil 32 front (they're 70s three-piece mid flange - ooh). I'm thinking of trying to build them with Sapim Strong (i.e. single butted) or Alpine III. Or perhaps just build with plain guage, which should be easier to get handfuls of in differing lengths.

Can anyone tell me if it is really worth the hassle of finding touring-specific spokes, or just buy whatever double-butted spokes I get offered at my LBS? I mentioned single-butted to them recently and they looked at me funny. I should say this bike is not for heavily-loaded riding, more of a distance bike. I'm a bit heavy and not the most delicate of mashers.

Many thanks if you can furnish me with advice or contact for helpful builders of touring wheels.

Best
Skully

[CJ]

You want single-butted only for the right hand rear flange, all the rest double-butted. If your local shop "look at you funny" try Spa Cycles. I'm pretty sure they'll sell you just the number of spokes you want.

You'll have to work out the length but there are plenty of internet places to do that, including this page on the CTC website.

[Skully]

Great! Thanks for that help Chris. I will certainly try Spa.

[Mick F]

I second Spa too. You can even buy 16 or 18 spokes at a time.
http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s156p0

[Bob S]

Do not forget a few extras for spares.

[Skully]

Wow... Yes Spa indeed have it licked...

Spares: Check.

[richardirving]

Madgetts in Diss will also supply and via mail order if you ask nicely.

[Skully]

Thanks for that, I am actually going to East Anglia for a few days soon so may drop in there.