Using used spokes or rims should present no problem. Used parts are subject to the same realities as new ones. If there is no problem with the part, then it can be used. Even new parts can have problems.
Most professonal wheelbuilders will not use used parts. That is due to the fact that they are trying to make a living by building wheels and cannot account for variables that come up when using used parts.
I build wheels for customers on their used rims quite often. It is really fine if I get to take a look at the rim in its built up previous incarnation. That way I can tell if it has flat spots. Many newer (OT) wheels are built with spokes that last only a few months. Putting new spokes in those wheels is one example of building on a used rim.
Saving old spokes is time consuming even if they exhibit no problems. Comparing the cost of saving the old spokes and then, adding in the extra time it is likely to take because the spokes are used, makes new spokes a pretty sound value.
As for obtaining long spokes, that should not be a problem. I'm in Southern California and we have good bike shops by the dozens. I wouldn't expect a mass merchant type bike shop to be able to help with esoteric older bike problems but the small ones may.
Keeping old bikes running is not so hard. Keeping them running and original can be a big challenge.
Chuck Hoefer
Pacific Coast Cycles
Oceanside, California
>I am getting ready to build a set of wheels, but locating spokes has
> turned out to be a bit of a challenge. I am building 4 cross on
> Campagnolo Nuovo Record low flange, which means I need 305 or 306mm. So,
> a couple of questions:
>
> Can I reuse the old spokes? I once built wheels on used rims, and I have
> regretted it.
> When I was a kid Robergel Trois Etoiles were considered the best, but
> recently I have heard them disparaged. Are they any good?
> What about Berg-Union?
> Does anyone have a source for DT, or Wheelsmith double-butted spokes in my
> size?
>
>
> Best regards,
> Marcus Helman
> Royal Oak, MI
>
>
>
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