What length spokes (am I measuring correctly)?

[Cloverleaf]

The trouble with using an aluminium alloy nipple though, on a component used between different metals, is that if it gets exposed to uk's salted roads, it becomes a sacrificial anode.

Some alloy nips definitely have a stronger (internal) surface than others, said are way superior to dt, but it's rare to see a well used 5yo wheel with alloy nips that aren't seized or crumbly.

Potentially if they are kept clean and perhaps lubricated, they might last better, but in our market segment they are all trashed.

Not just salt, highland bog does a similar thing to them thanks to being rather acidic. There isn't a single justification for aluminium nipples to me, whether they're 'good' ones or not, they're still poor compared to brass. You can't crank on them, you have to be super careful when adjusting them, and they just can't take the same abuse as brass. And they galvanically corrode. Bleurgh. A few bits of mud on your tyre make the same difference in rotational weight, and in any case, if anyone genuinely believes it makes a difference to their times (assuming they do time themselves) then they need to do some proper back to back testing in exactly the same conditions. If they do they will realise that it makes zero difference to either speed or handling.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Not just salt, highland bog does a similar thing to them thanks to being rather acidic. There isn't a single justification for aluminium nipples to me, whether they're 'good' ones or not, they're still poor compared to brass. You can't crank on them, you have to be super careful when adjusting them, and they just can't take the same abuse as brass. And they galvanically corrode. Bleurgh. A few bits of mud on your tyre make the same difference in rotational weight, and in any case, if anyone genuinely believes it makes a difference to their times (assuming they do time themselves) then they need to do some proper back to back testing in exactly the same conditions. If they do they will realise that it makes zero difference to either speed or handling.

To be fair though it's marginal gains.
If you're going to replace your wheels within a couple of years, or a single racing season, why wouldn't you use aluminium?

100g both wheels - about 2x the difference between ultegra and 105 chainset, rotational weight too.
Cost, almost peanuts.

It's just not a "forever" component.

 

[PhillB]

Learning how to build wheels is awesome - I avoided it for ages because I thought it would be too difficult. But a couple of years ago I decided to learn. I basically taught myself by watching YouTube. I must have built about 30 now and I really enjoy it. It's one of those jobs I can do indoors in the dark winter months, when my workshop is too cold . Although, after a few sets, I went back and built the first couple of sets better . It's allowed me to build some unique hubs/rim combinations and to experiment with different spoke patterns.