Online vendor for DT Swiss Alpine III spokes?

[Shut Up Legs]

I couldn't find DT Swiss Alpine III spokes for my upcoming (and first ever) wheel building project on CRC unfortunately, although they had various other DT Swiss spoke brands and models. I even emailed them, and they confirmed they didn't sell this particular model. Can any of you recommend a vendor for these spokes?

 

[ianrauk]

hmmm.. you being in the Colonies and all.

Try Fatbirds and SingletrackBikes.
Both well known stores in the UK.
Drop them both a line to see if they ship to Aus.

 

[I like Skol]

I got mine from Rose Bikes

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Thanks, both . I'll check out these vendors.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

I got mine from Rose Bikes

I checked out what Rose Bikes had to offer, and have a few wheel building novice questions:

1. What nipple length do I need to select? They seem to be available in 12, 14 or 16mm. My rims will be DT Swiss TK540 touring rims, if that's any help.
2. Do I also need to order anything for the hub ends of the spokes? The Harris Cyclery site mentioned that sometimes 2mm washers are used, but that they're only sometimes necessary.
3. I haven't finished trying out the different spoke length calculators yet, but I was wondering if it's common to use lacing patterns requiring spokes of various different lengths in the one wheel?

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Spokes ordered from Rose Bikes . I selected the 12mm nipple lengths (I feel so dirty saying that). I ordered the tools and parts from CRC, so now just have to wait .

 

[I like Skol]

Spokes ordered from Rose Bikes . I selected the 12mm nipple lengths (I feel so dirty saying that). I ordered the tools and parts from CRC, so now just have to wait .

The nipple length is usually specified by the rim manufacturer although I believe 12mm to be the normal default choice. Did the spoke calculator have an option for stating nipple length because this does have a small impact on the length of spoke required.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

The nipple length is usually specified by the rim manufacturer although I believe 12mm to be the normal default choice. Did the spoke calculator have an option for stating nipple length because this does have a small impact on the length of spoke required.

Yes, it did, actually, but I left it blank, because I didn't know what length I needed. Hopefully the spokes I ordered will be the right lengths. When I have the time, I'll redo the calculation, to see what difference it makes.