Subject: Re: Spoked Posted by: Cyco on December 16, 2002 at 03:23:13: In Reply to: Spoked posted by Dan on December 15, 2002 at 23:21:04:

Message: >I am considering using Sapim spokes on the wheels I will be building w/(Mavic Open Pro). Front Sapim 14/17 "Lasers" and the Rear 14/15 "Race". Sapim manufactures nipples for their spokes that are brass called "Sapim Polyax" 12mm and alloys that are 14mm. These are suppose to aid with spoke alignment in the way they sit in the spoke socket. Sounds like a good choice. If you want you can also use the Lasers on the non drive side. >My questions are >1. If I use alloy that are 14mm do I need to deduct from the spoke calculated length? It seems that the online spoke calculators base the ERD on 12mm standard nipples. You can subtract 2mm but it is not entirely nessesary. >2. Sapim sells 12mm brass nickel plated nipples. Is the small amount of extra weight effect rotational weight? Brass nipples weight about 3x alloy nipples. I would use the alloys where you use the lasers. >3. Do brass nipples build a better and stronger wheel. Can you reach higher tension (with in safe range) easier with brass than alloy? Nipples dont build wheels people do! As a beginer you can abuse your brass nipples more without damage than you can with alloys. For all execpt race wheels I use brass nipples on the drive side as the higher tension can cause people to damage the Alloy nipples if they dont take appropriate care. >4. Suggestions and comments about the use of Sapim spokes in general. >Thanks in advance in helping a beginner wheel builder! >Dan R. Good luck.