Usage notes

Last updated: 27 October 2026

Free to use

Spokepilot is operated by Luis Rasche on a non-commercial basis. It is free to use. There are no usage fees, paid features or paid subscriptions.

Spokepilot continues to be developed. Maintenance, changes and technical interruptions may occur. Uninterrupted availability or a specific response time for general enquiries is not guaranteed. Statutory duties and deadlines, particularly for privacy requests, remain unaffected.

What the spoke calculator does

Spokepilot calculates spoke lengths and geometric relationships from your inputs. It supports evenly spaced J-bend hubs with equal spoke counts on each flange and a total of 16 to 64 spokes divisible by four. Other constructions and unequal spoke distributions are outside this calculation model. Component data, manufacturing tolerances and measurement errors can affect the practical result.

The calculator checks certain inputs for plausibility, such as different hole counts on the rim and hub. These checks cover only some possible component combinations. A displayed spoke length or tension ratio therefore does not establish compatibility of all components or the safety of the assembled wheel. Professional planning, assembly and inspection remain necessary.

For each side of the wheel, the purchase length is automatically rounded to the nearest available 1 mm or 2 mm increment; exact ties use the longer length. This is a geometric selection. Spoke elongation under tension, the usable thread range and specific requirements of the nipple model are not individually determined. Unknown catalogue measurements may be supplemented with explicitly displayed calculator defaults. Check these against the actual component and adjust them when needed.

• Check the entered measurements and shared catalog data against the components actually used and the manufacturer's current specifications.
• Check the rounded purchase lengths and the required thread engagement before ordering.
• Follow the component manufacturers' permitted tensions and lacing instructions. Have the finished wheel professionally checked before use.

These notes describe the limits of the calculation tool. They do not exclude the operator's statutory liability or restrict mandatory legal rights.

The tension ratio describes geometric equilibrium with equal spoke counts on each side. Any reference tension entered must be permitted for the components used. Weight information is complete only when the required component weights are available; tyres, rim tape, valves and accessories are excluded. Reports marked as incomplete contain missing information or no complete calculation.

Your information and projects

Saved projects belong to your account. The component catalog is shared by signed-in users. Only enter content you are entitled to use and avoid unnecessary personal information about other people.

You can keep your own copy of important projects using the project export. Settings → Your data also provides the personal data copy and the Delete account function. Information about storage, access and deletion is provided in the Privacy notice.

For component suggestions and file uploads, information must match the exact variant and be supported by traceable sources. Write descriptions independently from the technical facts. Do not copy third-party advertising text, images, drawings or substantial or systematically collected database content without the necessary rights. Paraphrasing or AI output does not replace any permission that is required. Brand and model names identify products; their use does not establish a partnership with the manufacturer.

You may choose to work on the template with an AI service of your choice. You decide which content to send to that service; send only the product information needed for the task. The JSON import and spoke calculation in Spokepilot do not make requests to an AI model.

Reporting errors and getting in touch

If you find an error in a calculation or in component data, report it to info@spokepilot.de. Where possible, describe the measurements involved and the result you observed. Do not send passwords or confirmation links.

You can find the operator's contact details in the Legal notice.