Originally Posted by
harshbarj
I have been having a rash of broken spokes and have decided it's time to learn wheel building. I have noticed that I have the most problems with broken spokes on larger IGH hubs where the spokes take a noticeable bend coming out of the spoke nipple. Do they make rims that the nipple will turn to be in the same direction as the spoke or are there rims built for larger hubs?
You're selecting the cross-count to get spokes tangent to the hub, where the common rules of thumb (cross 3 for 32 hole, 3-4 for 36) are only appropriate for small flange hubs in ISO 622 rims.
Subtract a cross for bigger flanges on IGH hubs and you'll improve the angle at the rim too.
Otherwise, bend leading and trailing spokes towards each other so you don't have stress there leading to broken spokes where the spokes enter the nipples. That's covered in Jobst Brandt's book.
Also note Andrew's comment on rim handedness. It can be subtle.