[CR]Spokes for steel rims?

(Example: Framebuilders:Alex Singer)

Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007 17:53:33 -0400
From: "dima" <dima@rogers.com>
To: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Spokes for steel rims?

Hi,

Following my recent inquiries about wheels for a 1950 Raleigh RRA, I now have some questions regarding spokes. I read that thin spokes (i.e. 15-17-15) should be used for the correct look, my questions are:

- did I get that (spoke gauge) right?

- do I need anything special (such as e.g. spoke washers) to build up a steel rim (Dunlop), or can I just purchase spokes with regular brass nipples and go with that?

- what brand of spokes would you recommend, and what online source? Alternatively, if any of the fellow Torontonian list members know of a brick-and-mortar store that carries such spokes that'd be great.

- any tips on building up those wheels would be appreciated (my wheel building experience is both rather limited and only involves modern aluminum rims).

Thank you.

--
Cheers,
Dmitry Yaitskov,
Toronto, Canada.