Topic: Buchanan's Customer service?

[Speedy]

It took 2 attempts but I finally got a response to my email, but it was not very informative.  All I wanted to know is what spokes I need to fit 18”excel rims on a CB550 front hub and a CB400F rear hub.  This was their response:

We will determine the length of the spokes required for each wheel.  No, the pre-packed kit will not work for the rear since the kit is made for a 40, count and the CB400F requires 36, count.

That doesn’t answer my question.  They never said what size (gauge or length) spokes I need to order online, so I take it the best way to deal with them is to call?  Why won’t the kit work if I end up with 4 extra spokes? 

[Stev-o]

I just ordered spokes for my Z1 from them.  Was on there website and wasn't sure what size nipple I needed, they offer two.

I called and after speaking with a  girl who wasn't much help spoke to a guy and clearly explained how to determine the size. Sorry, do not remember his name.

Call....

[RAFster122s]

Take a circle and divide it into 18 wedges and then do the same but divide it into 20 wedges. Length of the side is different, thus length of the spokes will be a little different. Just geometry...
Record the length if you go with the nonstandard route...it will help you or a future owner.

[Dave Voss]

Why won’t the kit work if I end up with 4 extra spokes?

Typically, as the number of spokes changes, so does the length of the spokes, even when the diameter of the hub and rim remain the same  It has to do with the angle that the spokes make in relation to the rim, the more perpendicular the sokes are to the rim, the shorter they are, and vice-versa.  For strength reasons, if there are fewer spokes in a wheel, the spokes are often set at a greater angle from perpendicular, and therefore need to be longer.  It only takes the spoke length being off by a few millimeters to make them not work.

I don't know if the 40-spoke versus 36-spoke Honda wheels use different angles at the rim, but when custom wheels are put together using otherwise stock pieces from different models, it is common to end up needing non-stock length spokes, which can sometimes only be determined while building the wheel, making it tough to select them from a website, or be quoted via email or over the phone.  If you can talk to someone who has built the same wheels using the same hub and rim combination, you might be able to get a recommendation on spoke length, but I would be prepared to have to experiment a bit to get it right.

[jaguar]

It took 2 attempts but I finally got a response to my email, but it was not very informative.  All I wanted to know is what spokes I need to fit 18”excel rims on a CB550 front hub and a CB400F rear hub.  This was their response:

We will determine the length of the spokes required for each wheel.  No, the pre-packed kit will not work for the rear since the kit is made for a 40, count and the CB400F requires 36, count.

That doesn’t answer my question.  They never said what size (gauge or length) spokes I need to order online, so I take it the best way to deal with them is to call?  Why won’t the kit work if I end up with 4 extra spokes? 

Are you asking them to put together a "kit" to install your wheel to your hub or asking for the dimensions of the needed spokes to shop around?

If you ask them to sell you the needed parts then they will.
And they will be right.

Don't know if they will just tell you what size everything is.
Part of what you are paying for is the knowledge

[Speedy]

I'm asking what spokes I need to order from them (gauge).  It kinda defeats the purpose of ordering online if you have to call.  All I'm doing is making wheels from stock hubs, the rear rim is the same size as stock, the front is going to an 18” from a 19” which has been done thousands of times.  I’ll call but it’s their time and money I’m wasting.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I'd say they though that perhaps you were looking for free information vs ordering spokes from them or that by saying 'excel rims' was not enough information for them to make an informed decision.

[Bodi]

I've never had an issue with Buchanan's service. Possibly they just don't want to start a protracted email conversation about exactly which rim you have etc., and if you call them it will be easier to get all the questions answered at once. The question seems simple to you but there are a lot of variables, and even if the mod has been done a thousand times there are variables. They can sell you a rim and spoke set for your hub that I can just about guarantee will be perfect - but providing spokes for a rim with unknown profile and unknown drilling is not simply looking at what the last guy with an 18" rim on a 550 hub needed.

[Rookster]

Speedy,

Like others, I got the impression you were looking for information from them for free to possibly shop around.  As was already stated, part of what you are paying for is their knowledge and experience.  I have used Buchanan before and had an issue.  They corrected the issue, no questions asked and even supplied the correct replacements before the first set were sent back.  In my opinion that is great service.

Scott

[hondabbqman]

They sent me the wrong spokes on my cb350f project and cleared it up quickly.  Their customer service is outstanding and their products superb!

[bollingball]

I like to do as much as I can myself. This is one area I will send them my hub buy the rim I like and tell them to put it together and send it to me. I know this is not what you asked but that is just me. I would rather do other things. Nothing wrong with wanting to do it yourself. I have built a few wheels.
Ken

[Speedy]

Thanks for the replies, I'll call them tomorrow.  I hope their CS is good as everyone says cause they ain't cheap!  Then I get to teach myself how to lace rims following the instructions posted here .

[Stev-o]

I hope their CS is good as everyone says cause they ain't cheap!

If you want cheap, buy those Vietmanease spokes on eBay. Then, when they don't fit, good luck with their customer service!