Spoke lengths

[thewwkayaker]

I noticed that spoke lengths between left and right sides of a wheel can vary 1-2mm.

Would there be an issue if your spoke length was 1mm too big (or even 2mm)? Depth of the rim would be a factor but normally is it an issue? Do wheel builders normally use 2 different size spokes when building a wheel?

[josimar]

It depends on the wheel. The difference in spoke length is there to compenstate for hubs not being symmetrical. So if you are just replacing a single spoke, often times its alright if the spoke is a mil. or 2 longer or shorter as long as it doesnt stick out enough to pop your tires. But if all your spokes on one side are too long I'm not sure how doable that is. The important thing in the long run is to keep even spoke tension and make sure there isnt much of a chance of getting a flat.

[sanrensho]

Spokes that are all 1 mm too long are not an issue, since spokes are typically only available in 2 mm increments.

You could easily get away with 2 mm depending on the rim bed and spoke tension you use. I usually round down my spoke lengths because I build to high tension.

[NSTP]

I would normally go with a spoke 1mm shorter than 1mm longer, so that you can get the tension on the wheel. If you go 1mm longer and the spokes stretch, it means you are lacking tension on that one spoke, and each spokes plays its part.
With rear wheels there is a spoke difference because the wheel has to be dished. Some brands (DT) will have different sized flanges on the hub so that you can use the same length spokes and still get the right dish. Other brands have larger flanges becuase of the torque created by the freehub side on the rear hub from pedaling torque, and on the disc side for the disc brake forces. This shortens the spoke length and stiggens the wheel for better power transfer.

[james]

Spoke lenght is important. if your spokes are 1mm too big it might cause a lack of threads on the spoke meaning that the top part ( sticking out of the rim) of the nipple will be on a plain spoke without threads.

Use THIS (http://www.dtswiss.com/spokescalc/welcome.aspx?language=en) tool to verify your spoke lenghts.