Spoke help?

Joined
Aug 18, 2016
Messages
67
Location
OR, USA
I'm new to using spokes. I would appreciate some guidance. Not sure where to start. I am looking for a set of 2.15x19 36H black moto rims and spokes + hardware to match a QS 273 v3 40H. 8 gauge or 10 gauge spokes on the rear. Front hub is 110x20 36H with 10 gauge or 12 gauge spokes. I've read cross laced is stronger than radial.

How do I go about finding the proper spokes to match my setup?
 
You're trying to lace a 40 hole hub to a 36 hole rim?
 
Coming from a motorcycle background I'd recommend Excel, DID or Sun rims. They are all available in 2.15-19" from many places. I personally like Excel and have had excellent luck with them. They come in many colors. For an ebike I'd go with a Takasago version they're the most common. If you don't care about an exact color you can usually get them for $125 on eBay or close to that. Often times off colors sell for a big discount. I've bought them from FasterUSA too, brand new.

For spokes, I'd also use Buchanans. I just did this with a similar motor and rim to you. I'm using the QS205 and a 19-1.4" rims. Because Excel doesn't make them that skinny, and I wanted gold rims, I went with Pro Wheel. They look sturdy enough. My spoke length for the rear ended up being 128mm but def measure first. I used 9ga on the rear in a 1 cross, stainless spoke with brass nipples. I had to spec 0.250" nipples to fit the Pro Wheel. I paid about $110 if I remember for 36 spokes and nipples. Yes it's a little high but I've bought from them before and it's worth it for the quality and service. They also sell the rims if you want a one stop shop but you can do better on those by shopping around. They are super easy to deal with and they're entire business is manufacturing spokes. I have about 6 wheels they have laced up for me and they have all seen hard use, zero issues.

For my front hub, I'm using a Hope Pro4 36H with the same rim. I went with 12g after numerous ebike gurus told me that my plan of using 9g was not a good one. I had already drilled another hub so I chocked it up as a lesson and bought a new hub. For those spokes i went with Sapim Leader in 12g and I think the length I calculated was 222mm but I can't remember exactly. I just ordered those a few days ago. They were pretty cheap in comparison on eBay from some bike guy in Chicago. I plan on a 3 cross pattern. Will do the lacing and truing myself on a stand I built years ago.

Hope that helps, I'm not an expert on ebikes by any stretch but I do know the motorcycle rims and spokes thing pretty well.
 
Thank you Manny and marcelo56 for the links.

sailah, I appreciate the input. My motos never had spokes so this is all new to me. I wouldn't mind off-color rims for a budget. Where should I look for them? What terminology do I use to search for off color rims? I was leaning towards excel, mostly because a lot of people on this forum seems to like using them & say good things.

Ordered my motor a few days ago. I guess that means I need to wait until it arrives before getting spokes/hub for proper measurements.
I will read up on the wheel building article linked above so I know the measurements are proper.
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-NOS-EXCEL-RIM-SILVER-REAR-19X2-15-RM-KX-RMZ-125-250-KX450F-KX250F-/282622501728?epid=1011837620&hash=item41cd9d2360:g:yxYAAOSwZ4dZFJBy&vxp=mtr



http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-Wheel-1920YKRD-Rear-Rim-Red-19x2-15-/221839527638?epid=171231725&hash=item33a6aa8ed6:g:iYwAAOSwHsRYEPyK&vxp=mtr

Couple options
 
sailah said:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-NOS-EXCEL-RIM-SILVER-REAR-19X2-15-RM-KX-RMZ-125-250-KX450F-KX250F-/282622501728?epid=1011837620&hash=item41cd9d2360:g:yxYAAOSwZ4dZFJBy&vxp=mtr



http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-Wheel-1920YKRD-Rear-Rim-Red-19x2-15-/221839527638?epid=171231725&hash=item33a6aa8ed6:g:iYwAAOSwHsRYEPyK&vxp=mtr

Couple options

Do I have to worry about the size of the spoke hole on the rims? Specifically looking for black, but any shade of black will do. Haha

The Moose Racing, black rims seem appealing. Good/bad?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moose-Racing-GK-19X215BK-Aluminum-Rear-Rim-Black-19x2-15-/221843609843?hash=item33a6e8d8f3:g:eek:T8AAOSwB09YEQCA
or
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moose-Racing-GH-19X215BK-Aluminum-Rear-Rim-Black-19x2-15-/331620276199?hash=item4d361bd7e7:g:FDsAAOSwHMJYEQCM
I'm not sure the difference between those two Moose rims.
Also the Pro-wheels but can't find in black. Can't seem to find black excel rims for a reasonable price on ebay.
 
Back
Top