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What spokes for 32 spoke DT Swiss 420 SL 26" rims for 230lb aggressive mtn riding

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bertrenolds

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
What spokes for 32 spoke DT Swiss 420 SL 26" rims for 230lb aggressive mtn riding

I have dt swiss tires, I know. I rebuilt the hubs last summer so I am looking to just get new spokes since the current spokes keep breaking and are probably old and not strong enough to carry my weight for the mtn riding I do. I was reading I can get stronger spokes and brass nipples but I am not quite sure what lengths I would need and what exactly is a stronger spoke. I know I am capable of rebuilding a wheel and I believe I have 3 different lengths of spokes for this rim but I can't find an actual rebuild kit and I am not quite sure what I am looking for. Could someone please point me in the right direction for front and rear spokes for 32spoke DT Swiss 420SL 26" rims for someone that weighs 230lbs with gear and rides pretty aggressive terrain in the mtns? Thanks for any help in advance.
 
#2 ·
DT Swiss tires? Can I assume you mean rims?

Normal j-bend spokes like Sapim Race or DT Comp are fine for you and they're not the weak link in the chain. Your spokes broke probably due to fatigue precipitated by a less than perfect build.

Rebuild kit? That doesn't exist. You need to measure the parts and order the spokes. Everything you need to know is on my site and in Roger Musson's wheelbuilding e-book. You can find his spoke calculator on his site. This forum has a wheelbuilding Stickie too.
 
#3 ·
420SL rims are WAY too light for your size and riding style...never mind the spokes (Mike T's advice is the same I'd give), get the proper rims otherwise you are wasting your time and money.

Stans Flows EX, WTB Frequency i23 or i25, Velocity Blunt 28 or 35 to name a few.
 
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Discussion starter · #4 ·
Thanks for the reply's, I read mike t's link in the sticky and it sounds like I should be looking for double butted 14/15g spokes with brass nipples and he did say I should be looking for heavier rims and like you say bike wisperer my 420sl's are probably to light, it's lame specialized puts them on stump jumpers that are meant for hard riding. I haven't cracked my rims or anything and they have stainless steel eyelets but you still think they are too light? I am only breaking spokes on my rear wheel mainly and I am not sure if they are the double butted 14/15g which from reading are the best/strongest spoke set up in a 32 spoke pattern you can get correct? You think having a heavier duty rim will make a difference, I have not had folding or cracking problems? Think it would be easier to just take all the rear spokes out of the wheel and see what lengths I have and how many of each I have or should I start from scratch and use Roger Musson's calculator and help guide? I will look into getting new wheels such as the ones you suggested whisperer and do a cost comparison but I just rebuilt my hubs and I honestly think putting new spokes in will be the cheaper solution, maybe I could just get new rims.
 
#5 ·
Like most bikes, your Stumpjumper is designed around the average (160 lbs) rider. They are not much different than Trek or Giant in that aspect.

Frankly, you might just consider buying a new set of wheels. I assume you have the "Hi-Lo" hubs which are nothing more than Formula hubs. Not really that great truth be told.

Here is a set of All Mountain, hand built wheels that with discounts will be under $250 shipped.
Vuelta All Mountain 26" Wheelset

You might be able to save some money just buying Rims and Spokes, but most of the good rims are close to $100 each and spokes will run $1 each. There are some bargains out there so if you look around you might be able to find the rims cheaper and Dan's Comp is a great resource for cheap double butted Sapim spokes.

Good Luck
 
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Discussion starter · #6 ·
Bike Whisperer said:
Like most bikes, your Stumpjumper is designed around the average (160 lbs) rider. They are not much different than Trek or Giant in that aspect.

Frankly, you might just consider buying a new set of wheels. I assume you have the "Hi-Lo" hubs which are nothing more than Formula hubs. Not really that great truth be told.

Here is a set of All Mountain, hand built wheels that with discounts will be under $250 shipped.
Vuelta All Mountain 26" Wheelset

You might be able to save some money just buying Rims and Spokes, but most of the good rims are close to $100 each and spokes will run $1 each. There are some bargains out there so if you look around you might be able to find the rims cheaper and Dan's Comp is a great resource for cheap double butted Sapim spokes.

Good Luck
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SWEET!! $250 shipped and the rear is 36 spoke, you are awsome! sweet find, think im just going to pick these up. Your right about the hubs as well, they are hi-lo. Thanks so much for the help, its not worth trying to salvage my old wheels if i can pay $100 more for something new that is stronger! When i get home i will measure my front and rear spacing to make sure they will work. I have a 2008 stump jumper fsr expert in an xl frame.
edit: did a little research and my bike should work perfectly with these wheels, 100mm in front and since i have a 9 speed 135mm in the rear.
 
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