[CR]Wheelbuilding advice needed

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Ideale)

From: "Dr. Paul Williams" <castell5@sympatico.ca>
To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:02:53 -0500
Subject: [CR]Wheelbuilding advice needed

Morning everyone from a winter wonderland (buried deep in snow),

I am preparing to build one wheelset for my latest project. Thanks to listmember, Krister Katsogiannos, I now have a set of NOS Fiamme Yellow Label clincher rims - 26 X 1-1/4" 36H (no eyelets) - and from Pete Paine a NOS pair of 36H Bayliss and Wiley small-flange hubs - solid turned chrome (lovely, virtually mint condition with flip-top oilers) - rear double-fixed. I do not really have the expertise or the equipment to build this wheelset, but another listmember, Rodd Heino, has kindly set me up with someone who will build the set for me.

I must now find suitable spokes, however. I have run the measurements through a couple of different spoke calculators - including Damon Rinard's spreadsheet on Sheldon's site. By the looks of it I will need 287mm or 294mm for the front (3X or 4X) and 285mm or 293mm rear (3X or 4X).

Now come some decisions: do I go with straight gauge or double-butted spokes? what gauge? how many crosses? brass or alloy nipples? do I have to get two different lengths for front and back - given that the measurements are with a mm or two?

I haven't had to think about this before as I have always bought ready-builts. On the ClassicLightweights website Alexander von Tutschek suggests:

"NOTE, classic wheels look good with 15/17 gauge spokes. If you want your classic lightweight to look as if it has moped wheels in it use common 14/16 spokes. This is the most common error in today's restored machines. (I do know that thicker spokes were used in heavy touring machines and tandems and by those with a fuller figure etc)"

I am looking to this esteemed list for advice on what will give the best results (for a late-40s early-50s frameset). Also please advise on availability of suitable spokes. These won't be the lightest weight wheels so I would prefer to save some weight on the spokes if possible.

Any help would be greatfully received,

Paul Williams,
Ottawa, ON, Canada