Sturmey Archer hubs and 12 gauge spokes

H

Herdo

New Member
I have been planning my bike for the past few weeks and I had decided on getting a Sturmey Archer XFD hub for the front and the Sturmey Archer 3 speed internal hub with drum brake for the rear.

I've noticed several people have used both of these hubs in their wheels with 12 gauge spokes. On the Sturmey Archer website, the compatible spokes for both of these hubs are listed at 13 or 14 gauge.

I guess my question is, are these people stretching or drilling the holes out bigger to accept 12 gauge spokes or do they just fit without any alteration?
 
Ive had to drill one set for 12 ga, but a couple others went in no problem. I currently have 10ga and they were drilled.
 
:S I'm scared! That worries me because I while I have some basic mechanical skills, I feel like I would screw this up. Do you just use a hand drill?

This is one of those jobs that could be ridiculously simple or it could require extreme precision with factory quality drills etc, haha. Thanks for all the answers everyone!
 
Herdo said:
:S I'm scared! That worries me because I while I have some basic mechanical skills, I feel like I would screw this up. Do you just use a hand drill?

This is one of those jobs that could be ridiculously simple or it could require extreme precision with factory quality drills etc, haha. Thanks for all the answers everyone!
Click to expand...

You can do it!!! The hub is aluminum and you are barely taking off any material.The drill will go through so fast you won't have time to mess it up,Just use the correct drill bit and you will be ok.zpt
 
Herdo said:
:S I'm scared! That worries me because I while I have some basic mechanical skills, I feel like I would screw this up. Do you just use a hand drill?

This is one of those jobs that could be ridiculously simple or it could require extreme precision with factory quality drills etc, haha. Thanks for all the answers everyone!
Click to expand...

If you could use a drill press it would help make your job easy.
 
You can do it with a hand drill. Just be sure to hold the drill straight and use the proper bit.
Aluminum drills quite easily.
 
It's easier than you think. A hand drill is fine, and you don't need a degree in engineering or a fancy drill press. i just eyeball the drill bit size to the spoke. you've alreafy got the original hole for a pilot, so messing it up would be pretty hard to do...
 
Alright, you all have very good points. I will definitely be getting these hubs then. Thanks everyone, hopefully I can get this thing built by next spring!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top