Wheel build - spoke length calculator

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graymee
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Wheel build - spoke length calculator

Post by graymee »

I'm thinking of building myself a new pair of wheels. I have an old Excel spread sheet based spoke length calculator that has data such as rim ERD and hub flange diameter already stored for common rims and hubs. Unfortunately it's a bit out of date. Does anyone have a copy of or link to an up to date spoke length calculator with newer hub and rim data?
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Paulatic
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Re: Wheel build - spoke length calculator

Post by Paulatic »

I just ask the shop where I'm buying the components from.
Online one here you would think was up to date?
https://leonard.io/edd/
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Gattonero
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Re: Wheel build - spoke length calculator

Post by Gattonero »

Even when using a spoke calculator program, there are chances that the spoke length is not 100% right.

You better ask a builder what has already used, if it's not an odd combination
It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best,
since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.
Thus you remember them as they actually are...
fastpedaller
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Re: Wheel build - spoke length calculator

Post by fastpedaller »

I used my own maths for years, but I've since found SPOCALC to be good.
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cycleruk
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Re: Wheel build - spoke length calculator

Post by cycleruk »

I have also used "Spocalc" and includes various hubs/rims.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/spocalc.htm

Worked for me but then I tend to use well known rims and hubs.
You'll never know if you don't try it.
gxaustin
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Re: Wheel build - spoke length calculator

Post by gxaustin »

I've used this one with success - EDD
https://leonard.io/edd/

It worked with my Open Pros and Shimano hubs on 3 cross
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Gattonero
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Re: Wheel build - spoke length calculator

Post by Gattonero »

gxaustin wrote:I've used this one with success - EDD
https://leonard.io/edd/

It worked with my Open Pros and Shimano hubs on 3 cross


Well, that's pretty standard 296 for 32h and 294 for 36h :mrgreen:
It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best,
since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.
Thus you remember them as they actually are...
Brucey
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Re: Wheel build - spoke length calculator

Post by Brucey »

Gattonero wrote:Even when using a spoke calculator program, there are chances that the spoke length is not 100% right.


with a good calculator, this only happens if the input data (i.e. hub and rim measurements) are wrong.

You better ask a builder what has already used, if it's not an odd combination


I don't think this is any more reliable TBH; firstly not everyone who builds wheels is sufficiently fussy about spoke lengths, and secondly, rims vary appreciably from batch to batch.

Since you can measure hubs and rims quite easily, you can be 100% confident that you are calculating the correct spoke lengths if you measure carefully and use a good calculator.

gxaustin wrote: I've used this one with success - EDD https://leonard.io/edd/


This one works for me too. I've used it for dozens of wheelsets, including those where one has to enter a fractional crossing value. The calculator itself is very accurate. I always double-check the hub and rim data is correct by verifying the measurements myself, and I suggest that others do likewise.

cheers
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Gattonero
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Re: Wheel build - spoke length calculator

Post by Gattonero »

Brucey wrote:
Gattonero wrote:Even when using a spoke calculator program, there are chances that the spoke length is not 100% right.


with a good calculator, this only happens if the input data (i.e. hub and rim measurements) are wrong.

You better ask a builder what has already used, if it's not an odd combination


I don't think this is any more reliable TBH; firstly not everyone who builds wheels is sufficiently fussy about spoke lengths, and secondly, rims vary appreciably from batch to batch.

Since you can measure hubs and rims quite easily, you can be 100% confident that you are calculating the correct spoke lengths if you measure carefully and use a good calculator.

...


On quality rims I've never seen any discrepancy that is worth mentioning, and I'm talking 3-digits figures for Mavic, H+Son, Ambrosio, Rigida.
Even if the rim was to be +-2mm overall difference in ERD, that can be adjusted with the thread of the nipples themselves. I.e. an Ambrosio Excellence can change from (and if my memory is correct) 604 to 606 but I still use 296&298 for a 32h 3x on Shimano road hubs; or an Open Pro will use 294&296 for the same combo, doesn't really matter if people say the ERD is 600mm or 602mm. No problems there, and frankly no one would have any durability problem with +-1mm of thread engaged.
OTOH, if one is able to measure hubs and rims in a consistent way, is good to double-check, as they say "measure twice, cut once"
It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best,
since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.
Thus you remember them as they actually are...
gxaustin
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Joined: 23 Sep 2015, 12:07pm

Re: Wheel build - spoke length calculator

Post by gxaustin »

Well, that's pretty standard 296 for 32h and 294 for 36h :mrgreen:


Mine were 292 drive side, 294 non drive, actually (32 spoke 3+), if I recall
Brucey
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Re: Wheel build - spoke length calculator

Post by Brucey »

Gattonero wrote:
On quality rims I've never seen any discrepancy that is worth mentioning, and I'm talking 3-digits figures for Mavic, H+Son, Ambrosio, Rigida....


well, I have (which is why I mentioned it.... :roll: ) , and so have others.
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Gattonero
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Re: Wheel build - spoke length calculator

Post by Gattonero »

Brucey wrote:
Gattonero wrote:
On quality rims I've never seen any discrepancy that is worth mentioning, and I'm talking 3-digits figures for Mavic, H+Son, Ambrosio, Rigida....


well, I have (which is why I mentioned it.... :roll: ) , and so have others.


So how many times you had to use 292mm spokes on the RH of a Shimano road hub, 32h 3x on Open Pro?
Like I said, most of the measurements of hubs & rims are flawed by inaccuracy, a +-1mm does not influence the spoke length if this was correct in the first place: worst case scenario you will have the end of the spoke about 0.5mm under the nipple end, or being 0.5mm over. Does this make difference?
C'mon let's be serious
It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best,
since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.
Thus you remember them as they actually are...
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