Spoke length

[rich p]

Having been caught short last time, I want to get some spare spokes for my next tour. How do I go about measuring the lengths?

 

[jimboalee]

Are you trying to catch us out?

Measure the centre of the elbow to the spoke nipple.

A nipple is 12mm, so add on 11mm.

That won't be far off.

 

[e-rider]

the most accurate way is to take one out and measure it

Remember that the left and right sides are often different lengths.

 

[rich p]

Are you trying to catch us out?

Measure the centre of the elbow to the spoke nipple.

A nipple is 12mm, so add on 11mm.

That won't be far off.

Sadly not
I wasn't quite sure where the measurement was from and to and how minute the variations are.
Are the cassette side ones a different length then?

So I need a couple of each size to be on the safe side.

 

[andrew_s]

You'll have possible 3 spoke lengths - front wheel, rear wheel gear side, and rear wheel non drive side.
Front and rear NDS are often close enough for the same length of spoke to be OK (within 3mm or so, buy midway erring on the short side).
Rear drive side are the ones that usually break, so you'll want more of that length.