Now I agree that 3x may be more appropriate, but I really like the 4x and have been building 4x wheels w/ 36 spokes since the 70's with absolutely no problems. There's a bit of overlapping the heads of the spokes when you need to replace one, but I've never not been able to replace a spoke. All other opinions aside, I think tangential spoking makes for a more comfortable wheel (no flames please).
Dan Artley in Parkton, MD
>>> Sheldon Brown <CaptBike@sheldonbrown.com> 10/24/2005 12:36 PM >>>
Quoth Daniel Artley:
>I've been searching for 14x17 ga. spokes for my 60's Viking. My local
>shop tried to get DT Revolution spokes that met that criteria in a 307 mm
>length (4x 36 hole). Through his supplier, QBP, they are available in
>silver up to 300 mm., then only in black (Anodized?).
>
You shouldn't do 4x for 36 spoke wheels.
Go with 3x, you won't have any trouble finding spokes.
Sheldon "4x Is For 40 Spokes" Brown
+---------------------------------------------+
| If your bike has drop handlebars, but you |
| rarely or never ride on the drops, it's a |
| sure sign that your bike is not properly |
| fitted or is not properly adjusted! |
| See: http://sheldonbrown.com/
Harris Cyclery, West Newton, Massachusetts
Phone 617-244-9772 FAX 617-244-1041
http://harriscyclery.com
Hard-to-find parts shipped Worldwide
http://captainbike.com
Useful articles about bicycles and cycling
http://sheldonbrown.com