DT spoke cal./Precise or rounded?

[Rocket69]

Hi all... I used the on-line DT spoke calculator and the results for the front wheel are 293.70mm (Precise) and 292mm rounded (incl. corrections). Which do I use to order my spokes? There is nearly a 2mm difference...

The rear gives me a 1.5mm difference between the "precise" and "rounded" on the left side of the wheel and a 1.9mm difference on the right side of the wheel!

BTW, I will be using 14mm nipples for a Mavic CXP 33 rim w/DA 8 speed hub, crossed 3x (Front/Back wheel), 32 spokes.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Rocket69

 

[Retro Grouch]

I'd use the rounded figures. It looks to me like the precise figures are calculated based on the geometry and dimensions of the wheel. Many wheelbuilders commonly choose spokes that are a bit shorter than that to assure they won't run out of spoke threads as they tension the wheel.

 

[artmichalek]

You want the closest size to the precise calculation, rounded down. The nipples are designed to give you some wiggle room, and 2-3mm short isn't a problem. If you round up and get 294mm for the front, you run the risk of bottoming out, which is bad.

 

[John M]

Hi all... I used the on-line DT spoke calculator and the results for the front wheel are 293.70mm (Precise) and 292mm rounded (incl. corrections). Which do I use to order my spokes? There is nearly a 2mm difference...

The rear gives me a 1.5mm difference between the "precise" and "rounded" on the left side of the wheel and a 1.9mm difference on the right side of the wheel!

BTW, I will be using 14mm nipples for a Mavic CXP 33 rim w/DA 8 speed hub, crossed 3x (Front/Back wheel), 32 spokes.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Rocket69

Count this as a third vote for rounding down. Better to be a touch short than too long and run out of thread.

 

[Deanster04]

Count this as a third vote for rounding down. Better to be a touch short than too long and run out of thread.

Agree! Round down. God I need to get a life!!! Chuckle!