After much sitting on the fence I've decided to go down the custom wheelset path after realising that it isn't horrendously expensive and gives me the chance to nerd out a bit on components that I normally overlook. This is for an MGOOF project so weight and performance aren't my guiding criteria. That said, if these can be achieved without spending big £, it would obviously be nice to be as light and stiff as possible. Which leads nicely to my question on spokes.
First, some context:
45mm deep carbon rims (R45 from Light bicycle), 20h front, 24h rear
Bitex RA12 hubs (silver)
I weigh 71kg ±2
Rim brake
I've been looking at Sapim's range as it was easiest for a layman like me to understand. CX ray I needed no introduction to. But at around £2.50/spoke this is excessive for a non-aero frame. So I'm leaning more towards the Lasers or D-lights. Lasers get a bad rep from what I've seen - are they that much of a pain? The D-lights seem to be solid but with a minor weight penalty. I'm also thinking that I could maybe put lasers on the front and d-lights on the rear - is this a good way to go? In case it makes a difference, I'm going for silver spokes and nipples. And brass vs. alloy nipples?
Big thanks in advance for any advice. And if I should be considering Pillars or DT offerings I'm happy to consider them. Ta
If you're not getting CX-Rays, get Sapim Race, DT Comp or some other conventional 14/16g double butted spoke. Skinny round spokes confer no advantage which would compensate for the increase in cost and irritation.
After much sitting on the fence I've decided to go down the custom wheelset path after realising that it isn't horrendously expensive and gives me the chance to nerd out a bit on components that I normally overlook. This is for an MGOOF project so weight and performance aren't my guiding criteria. That said, if these can be achieved without spending big £, it would obviously be nice to be as light and stiff as possible. Which leads nicely to my question on spokes.
First, some context:
I've been looking at Sapim's range as it was easiest for a layman like me to understand. CX ray I needed no introduction to. But at around £2.50/spoke this is excessive for a non-aero frame. So I'm leaning more towards the Lasers or D-lights. Lasers get a bad rep from what I've seen - are they that much of a pain? The D-lights seem to be solid but with a minor weight penalty. I'm also thinking that I could maybe put lasers on the front and d-lights on the rear - is this a good way to go? In case it makes a difference, I'm going for silver spokes and nipples. And brass vs. alloy nipples?
Big thanks in advance for any advice. And if I should be considering Pillars or DT offerings I'm happy to consider them. Ta