How are Spokes Measured?

[Iwasgoodonce]

Hello again. I need to buy a few spokes as replacements for the inevitable casualties that will occur when I dismantle a wheel. I want to use as many of the originals as possible.

I am hoping the new rim will be about the same as the old one but need a few spare spokes.

How are they measured? Is it the straight bit? Is it to the bend? Is it the total length? Also are spokes generally supplied with nipples?

Thanks.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Normally, but not always, inside edge of the bent bit to the very end.

You can hope all you like the rim is the same diameter but that is pretty much the bit that determines how long your spokes need to be.
If its a like for like rim you'll be fine.

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

Thanks Ben. I have never tried a wheel before but need to now. There seems to be next to no dish as it is a Sturmey Archer hub so hopefully I can make a reasonable job.

The new rim has this information in the description:
Bead seat diameter 349mm. Overall width 23mm, inside well width 20mm
ERD - 338mm

What do I need to measure to see how close the old rim is.

Thanks again.

 

[FluffyChicken]

ERD http://leonard.io/edd/howtomeasure

 

[FluffyChicken]

Just looked up that bead seat.. Moulton?
Anyway the other dimensions are shown in a nice little picture.
http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

Thanks again. I'll get the tape measure out tonight. I'm also going to take a lot of photos to give me some chance of building it in the right way. I wonder if the hub will fit in my truing stand?