In all cases, the user assumes full responsibility for any use of this program. It may work. It may not. I don't know. I hope it does, but THERE ARE NO GUARENTEES.

All wheels with saved settings are marked with two colons (::) after the wheel number in the Wheel select list.

Wheel names can be blank. You can click [Rename] and delete the name, except for the " :: " indicator.

Values for the current wheel can be copied to a blank wheel (one that has no settings):

• Select the wheel to copy.
• Make sure Auto Copy is checked.
• Select a blank wheel (no "::" after the number) from the Wheel select list.

To prevent Auto Copy, make sure the option is unckecked.

Number of slots in the "Wheel" select list.

Note that if you have 10 wheels, and change "Max" to 5, wheels above 5 are not lost. If you change "Max" back to 10, all existing wheels up to 10 will be listed.

The maximum "Max" is 100.

Loads a complete set of values and builds a sample wheel.

Clears and removes the saved settings for the current wheel.

This will undo the most recent "Load Sample", or the most recent "Clear", but only if no wheel settings have been changed since clicking either button.

All measured settings are mm (millimeters), except those that aren't (like angles).

Determines the base type of wheel: Standard, Triplet, Paired-Hole Rim, Paired-Hole Hub, Paired-Hole Rim with Paired-Hole Hub, Custom.

Each "Type" has various restrictions on hole count, spoke cross, Lace Type, etc, depending on the nature of the type. Never-the-less, this does not guarantee that the generated wheel will be realistic or practical.

When changing the Type, some wheel values - such as Rim Holes, Flange Holes, and Spoke Cross - may automatically be adjusted to fit the contraints of the new Type. For example, if the current wheel is set to "Triplet" with 21 Rim Holes, and then Type is changed to "Standard", Rim Holes will be adjusted to 24, along with cooresponding changes to Flange Holes.

Custom removes most restrictions on the various wheel values. Subsequently, there's a greater possibilty to enter values that will produce an impractical, or even impossible, wheel. It may be obvious. Hopefully. But maybe not...

The "Effective Rim Diameter".

A picture could say a thousand words, so, here are a few.

Note that the display Scale (bottom of wheel image) is based on the ERD (Wheel Settings) & Rim size (Display Settings). For example, if Scale is set to 100, changing the ERD will not change the overall size of the image on screen, as the wheel will automatically scale to fit the wheel window.

Number of spoke holes in the Rim. Most of the time, this will be the same as the number of spokes.

Number of spoke holes in the Flange.

Normally, the number of holes in each hub flange is 1/2 of the number of holes in the rim, and 1/2 the spoke count. But, there are exceptions. One notable exception is a triplet laced wheel (ex: 24 total spokes laced 8:16).

Now, regardless of other lace patterns, if the number of flange holes on a side is odd (7, 9, 11, etc.), then the spoke cross for that side is automatically set to zero - unless in Custom mode. In custom mode, the odd side can have a non-zero spoke cross, but the spokes on that side will be laced all the same direction.

Note that the only other restriction in custom mode is that the number of holes for Side 1 must be less than or equal to Side 2. (This is due to an unresolved programming issues.) And, while not actually restricted to this, the Side 1 hole count should also be a factor of both Side 2 and the Rim Hole counts (similar to triplets). For example, with 32 total spokes, and 16 on Side 2, Side one should have 16, or 8, etc., holes.

If your build has fewer spokes on the drive side, which would normally be "Side 2", simply "flip" the wheel. That is, enter drive side values for "Side 1", and non-drive side for "Side 2".

"Pitch Circle Diameter" - Also referred to as the hub or flange diameter.

The diameter of the circle running thru the spoke hole centers in the flange.

It is NOT the outer diameter of the hub flange.

"Flange to Center", or "FTC", or "Center to Flange", or "CTF", etc.

The distance the flange is offset from the hub center.

Since it's highly impractical to actually measure anything from the hub center (since it's never marked), to obtain these values, subtract the Flange-to-LN from 1/2 the OLD.

For example, common rear road hubs have an OLD of 130mm. Half of that is 65mm. So, if the distance from the left (or Side 1) locknut face to the left flange center is 27.5mm, then the Side 1 Flange-to-Ctr is (65 - 27.5), or 37.5mm .

Or, if not currently visible, click the [+] just left of "Flange-to-Ctr", and enter the OLD & Flange-to-Locknut values. The subsequent "Flange-to-Center" value will automatically be calculated.

"Flange to Locknut", or "Locknut to Flange.

The distance from the outer face of the locknut to the center of the flange's width (thickness).

This value, along with the OLD, may be used to determine the Flange-to-Ctr value.

This option is only available if the OLD is provided.

"Over Locknut Distance", or "Over Locknut Dimension".

The distance between the axle "locknuts" outer faces. Now, not all axles have actual "locknuts", but they will have an outer surface before the end of each axle end that fits between the dropouts.

As with most things, see the internet for more information.

"Off-Center" Rim.

May also be referred to as "OSB", "Offset Spoke bed", "asymetrical", or similar terms.

The spoke holes in the rim are "off-center", or "off-set", to one side.

Useage: Enter a (-)negative number for the side that the holes are closer to (spokes will be a tiny bit shorter); and enter a (+)positive number for the side that the holes are further from (spoke will be a tiny bit longer).

For example, on a rear wheel rim with a 3mm offset, enter -3 for "Side 1" (the left/non-drive side), and 3 for "Side 2" (the right/drive side).

If "Linked" is checked, the negative of the value entered in one side will automatically be entered for the other side. This is probably the case for most OC rims.

The OC settings can also be used for unusal rims, such as Shimano's 540 series, where the spoke holes are actually in the sides of the rim. In this case, "Linked" should be unchecked, as both values should be positive.

"Spoke Cross" value. Number of spokes each spoke crosses on the same side of wheel.

In Standard and Triplet modes, spoke crossings are automatically set to common values for a given rim hole count, but can be changed if desired. Additionally, the cross must be zero if the number of holes in the flange is odd (not even).

In Custom mode, if the number of flange holes is odd, cross can be non-zero, but all spokes on that side will be laced the same direction. Spokes on the opposite flange will be laced in the opposite direction if they are also odd, otherwise they will be laced normally.

"Spoke Hole Diameter". Like Flange-to-Ctr & OC, this value only affects final spoke length, and not the wheel as displayed. To change the displayed hole size, see [Display Setttings]

Asymetrical lacings, such as triplets, can generally produce two possible patterns (and spoke lengths). The two patterns depend on which direction Spoke 1 is laced in relation to Hole 0. Just try it & see.

A PH Angle is formed by lines passing thru the center of paired spoke holes and extending to the axial center of the hub. For example: the angle between two radial spokes.

A PH Distance is the straight-line distance between the center of paired spoke holes (not along the arc of the rim or hub flange). In geometry, this distance is called a chord.

The PH angle and PH distance are directly related. That is, setting the PH angle will automatically set the cooresponding PH distance, and vice-versa.

• In Paired-Hole Hub mode, hole angles and spoke cross for Side 2 are automatically set to the same value as Side 1.
• In Custom mode, and Paired-Holes Hub selected, hole angles and spoke cross for Side 1 and Side 2 are each user selectable and independent of one another.
  • Be careful in custom mode to always set the Lace Option so that the spokes in paired holes pull away from each other. The spokes in paired holes should not cross each other!

Determines if the angle between paired holes (PH) is automatically calculated, or user provided.

• Even (Normal) Normal angles (non-PH hub), with evenly spaced holes around the flange.
• ... A few paired-hole angles, based on "Even (Normal)" angles.
• Manual Angles, or distances, are user provided.

In addition to, and seperate from, the paired-holes on each flange, the flanges can be "rotated" relative to each other. (Not physically rotated of course, but the holes drilled in positions as though the flanges had been rotated.) "Even (Normal)" means a normal hub, such that the holes in each flange are evenly spaced between them. "1/2 Hole" aligns the holes of each flange.

• ... A few rotation values relative to "Normal".
• 0 (Normal) Normal, non-"rotated" flanges.
• Linked to PH Rim The calculated rotations are based on any rim PH angles, and should produce a wheel with only one spoke length per side,*
• Manual

*With normal rim to hub spoke hole ratios. Ex: 24 hole rim, and a 24 hole hub with 12 holes in each flange.

Determines if angles between paired holes (PH) are automatically calculated, or user provided.

• Even (Normal) Normal angles (non-PH rim), with evenly spaced holes around the rim.
• ... A few paired-hole values based on "Even (Normal)" angles.
• 0 (ex: Shimano 540's)
• Manual

When checked, this option changes the lacing method as indicated below.

This lacing method should only be used with a paired-hole rim.

• In a paired-hole rim, "Prima Lacing" spokes match up something like this:

  F1_F2_____________F2_F1_____________F1_F2_____________F2_F1 ...etc...

• Whereas normally laced spokes in a paired-hole rim match up like this:

  F1_F2_____________F1_F2_____________F1_F2_____________F1_F2 ...etc...

• And of course, normally laced spokes in a normal rim:

  F1_______F2_______F1_______F2_______F1_______F2_______F1_______F2 ...etc...

"F1" & "F2" indicate spokes from a Flange on "Side 1" or "Side 2". (Or left side/right side, or NDS/DS, etc...)

An example of some wheel values that might be used in conjunction with this option:

• PCD 60 76
• Paired-Hole Hub Auto-Angles 3/8 Even
• Paired-Hole Hub Auto-Rotate + 1/2 Hole
• Paired-Hole Rim PH Distance 10 to 20
• and the Lace Option set so that paired spokes appear somewhat parallel.
  (or to converge at the hub if PCD's are the same).

The "Advanced Build Info" section is largely academic, and can be ignored for most practical spoke length calculations.

Basically, this section does not directly affect the "Spoke Lengths" provided above. Instead, it just indicates the effects to various spoke values (length, angle, etc) based on "Flange width", "Spoke diameter at bend", and "Elbows Laced".

Also, the data shown is for spoke 1 of each flange only. Such data might not be valid for other spokes in wheels with more than one spoke length per side.

The flange width at spoke holes affects bracing angles and tension ratio. It is often about 3mm. Also, it generally only matters if the spokes are not laced "Center" (not entirely true, but true enough for now).

Spoke diameter just before the "J" bend, where it goes into the hub. This is usually 2mm, but can be other values. The value affects bracing angles & tension ratio. Also, it only matters if spokes are not laced "Center" (not entirely true, but true enough for now).

Specify if the spokes are laced elbows In, Out, or Center. This affects the bracing angle and tension ratio. It also affects spoke length a tiny amount. The differences between "Center" and "In" or "Out" are determined by Flange Width and Spoke Diameter at Bend.

Geometrically, "Center" is the mid-point of the flange thickness, and is the position used for general spoke length calculations by most spoke length calculators. However, except for specially made hubs and spokes (eg: straight pull), spokes can not actually be laced "center".

"Center" can be used to approximate a common wheel where the spokes are acually laced alternately in/out/in/out (default). In that case, the other Advanced values (Length Adjust, Bracing Angles, etc) are just rough approximations. Or, you can toggle between laced in & laced out to see the difference, as half of the spokes are laced one way or the other.

A lot of other superfluous details are left out, because it gets complicated and doesn't really matter. So, go ride!

How much the spoke length is affected by lacing choice (elbows in/out). In general, not enough to worry about.

The (Side 1):(Side 2) spoke ratio. Usually 1:1, but is 1:2 for triplets, and can be other ratios in custom mode.

The lateral angle the spoke makes going from the rim to the hub. This is affected by the flange-to-center width, OC rims, PCD, ERD, and spoke cross. Geometrically, this value is also affected by the spoke hole diameter, but only by a tiny amount. Even less.

The theoretical spoke tension ratio (Side 1):(Side 2). Side 2 is defined as 100%.

This value is based on the spoke ratio and bracing angles. Note that a change in the bracing angle on either side will affect the ratio listed for Side 1.

Enter a spoke tension value under Side 2 to see the cooresponding tension value for Side 1 spokes, based on the Tension Ratio.

The spoke tensions between Side 1 and Side 2 of a wheel are interdependent. That is, you can't change the tension on one side without affecting the other.*

So, generally, one side (such as the drive side of a rear wheel) is set to an appropriate tension level, and the other side is what it is, based on hub & rim geometry.

*Actually, adjusting the tension of any spoke also affects the tension of every other spoke a little bit.

Display Options affect the wheel as displayed only, and have no effect on spoke length calculations.

Rim Size affects the scale of the displayed wheel, but has no effect on spoke length calculations.

When set to twice the value of "Spokes Recessed" (Display Settings), the "center" of the rim width will be the ERD, and traces thru the rim spoke holes.

When set more than twice value of "Spokes Recessed", the "rim" expands away from the rim holes, to simulate an actual rim, where the spoke ends (and the ERD) are slightly within the inner diameter of the rim.

This setting has no effect on the Spoke Lengths calculated by this program. It is purely for aesthetic academic consideration. I.e., fluff. In other words, you don't need to know any of this to use a spoke length calculator or build a wheel.

The tl;dr summary is that, for a given rim, the ERD, the rim's depth, and the amount of spoke recess, are all interdependent, bound by the rim's outer diameter.

For 700c rims, the actual outer diameter is ~633mm, regardless of other dimensions. Other classes of rims probably have cooresponding "outer" dimensions. At least, that's my guess.

For basic rims, spokes are recessed about 2 to 4 mm into the spoke holes:

• 1 to 2 mm for rim thickness at spoke hole,
• plus 1 to 2 mm into the head of the spoke nipple.
• (Then there can be overlap between the above two points, depending on the profiles of the nipple and hole.)

So, for a given rim, the "outer" diameter is the ERD + rim depth*2 - spoke recess*2.

• ex: 577erd + (30rim *2) - (2recess * 2) = 633.

Colors can be specified using common html/css color names (black, gray, red, blue, green, skyblue, etc.), or with any currently valid html/css color code format (#FFFFFF, rgb(255,255,255), etc.).

If you enter a color name or code and the spoke, rim, or hole color doesn't change, it's likely that the color value entered is not valid.

The Scale setting is like a "zoom" view setting - higher values increase the displayed size of the wheel (the portion within the wheel window).

There are two Scale modes: "w", and "u".

Scale:[w] (wheel - default)

At 100%, the displayed wheel is scaled to fit the display window (regardless of ERD).
At 200%, the displayed wheel's diameter is twice the window size,
At 300%, the displayed wheel's diameter is thrice the window size, etc...

Scale:[u] (user)

Similar to [Scale: w], except that the 100% size that the wheel window represents is fixed by the user defined value and does not change with the wheel's ERD.

Import/Export wheel data, and general information.

In general, all information generated and used by this program internally, such as wheel data and display options, is saved locally, to this device only, in your web browser's localStorage.

To clear all current wheel data & display options stored by this web page, in this browser, on this device, click the [Delete All Current Settings] button in the [Import / Export / Delete] section.

Your browser's cache is not affected by this option, and may retain some information.

Additionally, any wheels saved via Export Data is naturally unaffected by this option.

Generates a JSON string of all wheel & display data that can then be saved in a text file for backup.

Import previously Exported wheel & display settings.

Importing previously Exported data may override some or all wheels currently listed in the Wheel select list.

For example, say you currently have wheels saved in slots 1,2,3, & 4 in the Wheel list. You then perform an Import that only contains wheels for slots 1,2, & 3. In that case, wheels 1,2, & 3 will be overwritten, but existing wheel 4 will remain unchanged.

In the Import window, there is an option to load & import a sample set of wheels. These wheels are for example only, and do not contain accurate values for any actual known wheel.

Please report any issues to ....

Or, if you have a github account, at github.com/Self-Evident/The_Wheel_Maker/issues.