CB/CL175 Spokes question

[facefirst35]

I ordered some custom spokes from Buchanan's for my '71 CL175. The spokes they sent me are 6 1/8 for front and 6 5/16 for the back. I just saw a thread on DTT that said the spokes are different lengths for the inside and outside spokes. It also has the lengths at 150mm, 157.5mm for the front wheel and 162.5mm, and 163.5mm for the rear. Is it possible for the person lacing and truing the wheels to cut the spokes down when needed? The person lacing my wheels says the spokes need to be 6" for the front and 6 3/16" for the rear. How can he and Buchanan's have differing lengths? These are stock wheels, so there was no switching of hubs or anything.

 

[Sonreir]

In both cases, you're only off by 1/8". Doesn't seem like a lot to me.

Also, inside and outside spokes are the same length, but the heads will have a different angle to them.

 

[facefirst35]

OK, thanks. Hopefully it works out. I'd hate to have just wasted $200 on spokes that won't even work.

 

[facefirst35]

I guess my big concern is puncturing the tubes. 1/8" doesn't sound like a lot to me but what do I know.

 

[Bert Jan]

When i do custom wheels and spokes come out a bit long, i grind the heads with an angle grinder. i've never had to do more then 5mm though.

There's more threads on the spoke than there is in the nipple. Just make sure the nipple has a treaded part of the spoke completely in.