Spoke and nipple questions

twilightzone

I weigh 250 lbs. and am planning to purchase wheels with XT hubs and Mavic F519 rims for use with rim brakes. My riding habits are XC and easy trails. I'm confused over what spokes and nipples to request for the wheel build. I read some who say that 14ga straight makes a stiffer wheel and that's the way to go. Others say that double butted 14/15 spokes absorb stress better and produce a more durable wheel. So what's the answer?

Also, I've read that Sapim spokes are excellent, but if I had to choose between DT and Wheelsmith, I know that WS are lighter, but are there any other significant differences? Would one brand be preferable over the other for a heavy duty wheel?

Also what's the difference between using alloy vs. brass nipples for this kind of wheel?

Thanks much!

ireman_1

Well bro, I am NO "expert", but being a clydesdale (6'3" 250lbs) myself I do know what has worked for me bike wise. You should really dig those rims you are building. I ran the same set-up for a while and had good luck. I've always used 14/15 butted spokes and not had any problems. There are as many opinions on whether straight gauge or butted spokes are best for pure strength as there are wheel builders. I would recommend using brass nipples (I've had problems with allow ones) and spokes from DT. It sounds like you are headed in the right direction regardless of which of the brands you choose. Good luck and have fun.

K.

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Don't give up, don't ever give up.


Disciples Of Dirt

daveornee

Straight 14 g. will be slightly more laterally stiff. DB 14/15 will be significantly more durable. Brass nipples are also significantly more durable.
DT spokes are very high quality and widely available.
Sapim spokes are very high quality but more difficult o source.
Wheelsmith spokes a high quality.
Any one of these manufacturers spokes will make for a high quality heavy duty wheel.
I have built wheels with them all with good results.
The choice of a high quality wheel builder makes the biggest difference. You will know the builders quality by reputation before you buy and how the wheels hold up over your riding experience. Quality endures longer than the price you paid.

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David Ornee, Western Springs, IL USA