1-2mm too short spoke is better than 1-2mm too long IMO.
I also avoid 13ga straight spokes because they don’t tension enough for my taste plus it rules out any emergency “repair” possible using scavenged 14ga spokes. See photo.
![SpokeFix2.jpg SpokeFix2.jpg](https://endless-sphere.com/sphere/data/attachments/100/100664-73e839ef89c7138cc3bcb192955c5e25.jpg)
Need a temporary spoke? Good luck finding one that matches 13ga nipples. 14ga nipples? Plenty junk/old wheels laying around with enough spoke length to perform a ghetto repair similar to the wheel in my photo.
Danscomp is the USA place I order custom 13/14ga Sapim stainless single butted spokes. https://www.danscomp.com/shop-PARTS/group/BMX+Spokes.html
They’re not listed on the spoke page and you must ask for them by name when you call to order and provide your length. They’re 50 cents each - I just ordered and received a set of 36qty last week shipped fast under $25.
Remember, you’re not going to “nail” everything on a maiden wheel build but if you’re careful, methodical and have decent mechanical aptitude, you can do a good enough job for 1st attempt.
Lotsa advice out there. All I can say is I've now performed over dozen motor wheel builds plus a couple regular 3 cross. My last motor wheel absolutely nailed overall length(s) and slightly different L/R length to account for dishing. I'd built the same exact motor/rim before and remembered how spoke lengths' could be adjusted to fit better. This go around, perfectly filled nipples without any excess sticking out.
Oh, and don't forget a layer or two of cloth hockey/sports tape or cloth Gaff tape for rim strip...
puregsr said:
So I've decided to buy the parts from ebike.ca, seems like it's the only place that sells custom length spokes with my short search.
Alex DM24 26" rims and 166.1-166.6mm spokes depending in/out or 1 cross alternating (how it came from the factory). Somehow I remembered that it wasn't centered correct and thought I had to dish it correctly with a rebuild, but just tried it on again and it seemed to be centered with same number of spacers on both sides.
Would 13g spokes be enough without modifications?
Should I buy 167mm or 166mm?
Still can't believe that I shattered part of the rim that easily while riding top speed, hopefully it was just the cheap rim from the factory. I didn't remember hitting anything hard. I hope it'll be worth my time and money rebuilding this hub motor.