Measuring spokes - '94 Marin Palisades

[simcfarlane]

Pretty new to bikes - but not enough room for old cars any more. Needed a new hobby.

Always wanted a Marin back in the 90's so recently bought myself a '94 Palisades Trail. I also have a '99 Eldridge Grade... but that's too nice to mess with

Been painstakingly taking it apart to see what I'd brought.... lots of surface rust, grime and lack of service. In pretty good shape and pretty much there (apart from the seat which I need to source / replace). Been scrubbing / polishing for a few weeks ahead of a frame respray.

All the spokes were very rusty so decided to re-lace in stainless. Best way to learn and I like a challenge.

It's got the original Araya GP-710 32-hole alu rims with Alivio Parallax hubs.

Now my question - how do I measure the spokes?

I've seen several different accounts of how to do it. Decided this is the best place to ask!

Currently hooked the j-bend over the end of ruler and it's coming out at 266mm.

Is this the best way to do it? Is there any tolerance? I've seen some say ask LBS - but like to try myself before bothering them.

Cheers

Si

 

[marc two tone]

Re:

Currently hooked the j-bend over the end of ruler and it's coming out at 266mm.

That's ok, that is how I measure too. Ask lbs to measure theirs in the same way and you can't go wrong. If you are buying online then the shop may have a " how to measure guide".

Also it's better to be little over than short, say 267 mm for your needs. It's common to see the threaded tip poking beyond the nipple head by a millimetre or 2.

 

[simcfarlane]

Re:

That's great - thanks.

Don't want to go to all the effort - then find out it's a little out.

I'll let you know how I get on!

 

[FluffyChicken]

How many spokes?

Is that the front and 36 holes ?

(as lon as that ruler start at 0 on the end)
But yes, that is the way to measure.

You'll probably find the front (if 36 hole) is 266mm and the rear 266 and 264.
don't go 267 as 'odds' are harder to find.

You may find it's also not cost effective to buy spokes, even with plain gauge (you'll need new nipples too).

 

[simcfarlane]

Re:

They're all the same length. 32 spokes front and rear.

Going to start with the rear as I had to clean the hub and replace the axle / bearings.

 

[klunkrider]

Your measuring technique sounds fine.

I definitely wouldn't go for longer spokes than are currently fitted, on a single wall rim like the gp710 spoke sticking out the top of the nipple would be bad news.

Infact, if anything, I'd suggest going shorter as being laced in a wheel for 23 years may have stretched them out a bit but if that was the case they might be measuring 266.5mm or 267mm. If they are measuring at pretty exactly 266mm (and unless there was spoke sticking out the top of nipple before you stripped) I'd say that's probably the size to go for.