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Mtb spoke length calculation. Check my work?

851 Views 6 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  beardcombover
4
Hey wheel gurus,
I have some DT rims going on some CK boost CL hubs. This is my first time in the driver’s seat of ordering spokes. Can you check my calculation and generally let me know if the resulting spoke length is in the ballpark of what I might expect or is correct? What do I do about rounding the length and which length should I be purchasing? Thanks!

Rims have a 601 ERD. Hub specs and calculator results below!
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I always run at least two calculators, if I get the same result I'm more comfortable that I haven't made an input error. It's a little more complicated with rims with offset drilling, which I prefer. Here are a couple:
Spoke length calculator for wheelbuilders
https://www.kstoerz.com/freespoke/

I prefer to measure the ERD myself, using the method in Roger Musson's Wheelpro book (and a couple of cut spokes with nipples crimped in place). This method measures to the end of the spokes (bottom of the nipple slot), not the inside of the rim, so I might expect to get a number 1-2mm longer than the manufacturer. I usually use 14mm nipples (for carbon rims anyway, 12mm is fine for aluminum) and round down to the nearest 2mm, unless within 0.5mm and I might round up. Don't use silly spokes (less than 1.8mm middles or bladed). Do use good stress-relieving techniques and a tensiometer.

With the results you got I would use 292 for RF and LR, 290 for LF and RR. When you start with all nipples threaded on about equally your dish should also be pretty close (over-dished in this case).
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Thanks for all the info. I’m further reading that the squorx nipples that came with the DT Swiss rims may require around +3mm additional to the calculator. Does that info check out?
Thanks for all the info. I’m further reading that the squorx nipples that came with the DT Swiss rims may require around +3mm additional to the calculator. Does that info check out?
Why not use the DT Swiss calculator?

DT Swiss rims do require the use of a rim washer as well.


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Thanks for all the info. I’m further reading that the squorx nipples that came with the DT Swiss rims may require around +3mm additional to the calculator. Does that info check out?
I've only used traditional nipples (mostly Sapim polyax recently), but based on the Squorx geometry it does look like you'd want to round up, 292 and 294. Which specific rims are you using? I've never built with washers, but those probably add about 0.5mm to the ideal spoke length (or 1mm to the ERD).
I've only used traditional nipples (mostly Sapim polyax recently), but based on the Squorx geometry it does look like you'd want to round up, 292 and 294. Which specific rims are you using? I've never built with washers, but those probably add about 0.5mm to the ideal spoke length (or 1mm to the ERD).
DT XM 481 front, 29 and EX 511 29 rear.
4
I always run at least two calculators, if I get the same result I'm more comfortable that I haven't made an input error. It's a little more complicated with rims with offset drilling, which I prefer. Here are a couple:
Spoke length calculator for wheelbuilders
https://www.kstoerz.com/freespoke/

I prefer to measure the ERD myself, using the method in Roger Musson's Wheelpro book (and a couple of cut spokes with nipples crimped in place). This method measures to the end of the spokes (bottom of the nipple slot), not the inside of the rim, so I might expect to get a number 1-2mm longer than the manufacturer. I usually use 14mm nipples (for carbon rims anyway, 12mm is fine for aluminum) and round down to the nearest 2mm, unless within 0.5mm and I might round up. Don't use silly spokes (less than 1.8mm middles or bladed). Do use good stress-relieving techniques and a tensiometer.

With the results you got I would use 292 for RF and LR, 290 for LF and RR. When you start with all nipples threaded on about equally your dish should also be pretty close (over-dished in this case).
Thank you! I used the DT Swiss calculator and selected the squorx nipples, which came with the rims, along with the washers, and go 291 and 292. Given our numbers are so close, so you feel confident enough for me to pull the trigger? If I got a 292 and ended up needing a 291, is that a new spike or would just simply filing it down a pinch work?

I also used one of your calculators, with unspecified nipples, with the following results (290-292 range).
I always run at least two calculators, if I get the same result I'm more comfortable that I haven't made an input error. It's a little more complicated with rims with offset drilling, which I prefer. Here are a couple:
Spoke length calculator for wheelbuilders
https://www.kstoerz.com/freespoke/

I prefer to measure the ERD myself, using the method in Roger Musson's Wheelpro book (and a couple of cut spokes with nipples crimped in place). This method measures to the end of the spokes (bottom of the nipple slot), not the inside of the rim, so I might expect to get a number 1-2mm longer than the manufacturer. I usually use 14mm nipples (for carbon rims anyway, 12mm is fine for aluminum) and round down to the nearest 2mm, unless within 0.5mm and I might round up. Don't use silly spokes (less than 1.8mm middles or bladed). Do use good stress-relieving techniques and a tensiometer.

With the results you got I would use 292 for RF and LR, 290 for LF and RR. When you start with all nipples threaded on about equally your dish should also be pretty close (over-dished in this case).

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