Cycling UK Forum

I'm in the middle of adding a motor to my front wheel. The motor came with a 26" rim, but I want to match it with 700c. So, I stripped out the spokes, and am about to order a new set. But, I've never built a wheel before, so (at the moment) all my knowledge is through what I read (mostly on these forums, but elsewhere, too).

The stripped out spokes appear to be 2.3mm (13 gauge), but the rim is drilled for 2.0mm (14 gauge). I have three questions -

1. I read that many front hubs use a single butted 13/14 gauge spoke, and this is the optimal choice for the strength/flexibility relationship. Any comments on this?
2. I notice that the elbow length on my stripped out spoke is greater than the elbow length on some old spokes I have knocking around (14 gauge, I think). But, I've practised using 3 of the on-line spoke length calculators (discussed by Brucey in December) and they make no mention of this measurement. I realise it isn't a variable in the spoke length calculation, but I do need to get it right when I order. How do I specify this length?
3. Do you have any recommendations as to suppliers, bearing in mind that I'm looking for (possibly) non-standard spokes with 13/14 single butted and a longer elbow?

Many thanks, in anticipation.
Geoff

I have built /used my front 350w bpm in 26 &700c rim both times using 14g sapim plain gauge.
Wheels have performed well with no issues of spokes breaking or loosening.

hemo wrote:I have built /used my front 350w bpm in 26 &700c rim both times using 14g sapim plain gauge.
Wheels have performed well with no issues of spokes breaking or loosening.

Thanks for this, hemo.

Not sure what length spokes you will need, but if you need extra short, as lots of ebike hub motors use, I can recommend ryanbuildwheels on ebay. Just search for custom spokes or short spoke. No connection, but excellent fast service.

jk49 wrote:Not sure what length spokes you will need, but if you need extra short, as lots of ebike hub motors use, I can recommend ryanbuildwheels on ebay. Just search for custom spokes or short spoke. No connection, but excellent fast service.

Thanks, jk49

Ryanbuildwheels a very good call.
I placed an order yesterday for a rear hub lace and for some reason my ebay message to them was deleted on their side so received a call this afternoon to confirm spoke length and they are now in the post.
So top service from them.

hemo wrote:Ryanbuildwheels a very good call.
I placed an order yesterday for a rear hub lace and for some reason my ebay message to them was deleted on their side so received a call this afternoon to confirm spoke length and they are now in the post.
So top service from them.

Thanks for the recommendation, hemo. I used Ryan. Not only did I get the spokes I needed, but he was very generous with his advice to a novice.