Spoke length and wheel bld. question

dan0512 said:

Hello, I've been thinking of installing a 185mm Avid disc brake on my fork, and I have a couple of questions-

The new Hub requires shorter spokes, do I have to buy a new set(how do I determine the lenght?), or is there a way I can use the old ones?

Is putting a wheel together hard?

Dan

There are many spoke length calculators available. Damon Rinard's is good as it is just an Excel spreadsheet. It has most hubs and rims plus you can do any lacing pattern you want. Google search will get you to it. Download and run.

With a disc hub, you want 3 cross as a minimum. 4 cross if 36 spokes or more. Yes, you need new spokes. No way of reusing.

Wheelbuilding is difficult if self taught. Get Jobst Brandt's book, a good stand, good wrenches and time. Learning will take you a week and your first attempt might be within 1/8" of true.

dan0512 said:

Is putting a wheel together hard?

It's not hard, but it does take a lot of patience to do well. Books are good, but there's no substitute for watching someone do it.

OK besides new spokes, is there anything else I would need?(tools, etc)

Dan

dan0512 said:

OK besides new spokes, is there anything else I would need?(tools, etc)

Dan

You're going to need a truing stand, a good spoke wrench, and a flat head screw driver. You can get a special nipple driver instead of the screw driver, but for a couple of wheels, it's not worth it. The spoke wrench is one that you don't want to cheap out on. Get a good one from Park.