Broke a Spoke
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Broke a Spoke
After 30 years of riding, I have broken a spoke in my rear wheel. The wheels were purchased from Performance Bike sometime after 1985. They have sealed bearing hubs and came with MAVIC MA-2 rims. Yes, I got my money's worth.
I didn't hit a pothole or anything, so I suspect it was just a fatigue fracture - the head came off right after the bend. Luckily, it is on the non-drive side making replacement just that much easier.
Now, I likely have a replacement and will install it if I do. Still, this question occurred to me.
What is the threading of spokes/nipples?
If I don't have the proper spoke length, can I cut one to length and thread the shank? Will cut threads survive or do they have to be rolled threads?
I didn't hit a pothole or anything, so I suspect it was just a fatigue fracture - the head came off right after the bend. Luckily, it is on the non-drive side making replacement just that much easier.
Now, I likely have a replacement and will install it if I do. Still, this question occurred to me.
What is the threading of spokes/nipples?
If I don't have the proper spoke length, can I cut one to length and thread the shank? Will cut threads survive or do they have to be rolled threads?
#2
aka Tom Reingold
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Get a proper length spoke. The threads should be rolled. Let someone else take care of that.
After breaking a spoke, I try not to think about it. If a wheel breaks two spokes, it's time to scratch my head. After three spokes, it's time to rebuild the wheel. Good luck.
After breaking a spoke, I try not to think about it. If a wheel breaks two spokes, it's time to scratch my head. After three spokes, it's time to rebuild the wheel. Good luck.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
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#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Yes, I assume this first fatigue failure is a prelude of things to come. The ferrules in the rim are corroding due to the salty marine environment, too. This repair will just stave off the inevitable.
#4
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After breaking a spoke, I try not to think about it. If a wheel breaks two spokes, it's time to scratch my head. After three spokes, it's time to rebuild the wheel. Good luck.
If I break a second spoke, then it is time for a complete build - I am so anal:-(
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#5
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The thread pitch is 56tpi which is close enough to 0.45mm that it doesn't make a difference which standard you use. For 14ga (2mm) spokes, the major diameter would be around 2.2mm or a # 2 screw. If I recall correctly, I have used a # 2-56 tap to chase spoke nipples when in a pinch. I could be wrong about the exact diameter, and it varies between gauges of spokes, but I know the 0.45mm/56tpi pitch is used across all gauges of commonly used bicycle spoke (there must be exceptions, and I know cars and motorcycles are different). I have the spoke thread rolling tool, but I do this a lot and I'm always frustrated by having a pile of spokes that are the wrong length, and the spoke thread rolling tool fixes this problem for me. I feel like I'm always replacing spokes for friends.
As @noglider says, threads are rolled and not cut; this process is harder to do so the tooling is expensive. If you're not planning on making a long-term hobby out of wheelbuilding (and becoming the friend on-call when your buddies' spokes break), the best thing to do is to bring the broken spoke to a shop and ask them for a replacement (or three). They will be cheap. You can also get them online if you prefer, just measure with a ruler.
As @noglider says, threads are rolled and not cut; this process is harder to do so the tooling is expensive. If you're not planning on making a long-term hobby out of wheelbuilding (and becoming the friend on-call when your buddies' spokes break), the best thing to do is to bring the broken spoke to a shop and ask them for a replacement (or three). They will be cheap. You can also get them online if you prefer, just measure with a ruler.
#6
Senior Member
They have to be rolled threads.
Why not simply visit a bike shop and purchase a correct replacement spoke. It's not a big deal.
1985 eh? One spoke breakage is not unusual, sometimes they just break. But when 2 or 3 spokes start breaking in a row, it indicates the wheel is toast.
Why not simply visit a bike shop and purchase a correct replacement spoke. It's not a big deal.
1985 eh? One spoke breakage is not unusual, sometimes they just break. But when 2 or 3 spokes start breaking in a row, it indicates the wheel is toast.
#7
seρor miembro
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#8
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When I tour in outback Australia, I always have 3 spare spokes for each side of both wheels. Cheap insurance, even though I have 48 spoke 26" wheels and PW hubs.
Needed those spokes once for the rear wheel and they were a god-send. 😜
Needed those spokes once for the rear wheel and they were a god-send. 😜
#9
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Congrats @Bad Lag, that is a pretty respectable service life. If you're concerned about the other spokes, you could always stress-relieve them in the Jobst Brandt manner, by grabbing pairs of nearly-parallel spokes and squeezing them really hard with your hands. He originally started that practice to find (and break) marginal spokes while the wheel was still in the stand, not on the road. It was only later that he worked out the other benefits.
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Performance Bike Shop is gone. Bikecology is gone. Ted Ernst is gone. Celo Europa is long gone. I have no idea where to go for a local supply of stainless steel, double butted spokes.
#12
Senior Member
Actually, there are very few bike shops in the area. They have all gone out of business. What's left tend to specialize in beach cruiser sales. It's pretty sad. Online is just about all there is for me.
Performance Bike Shop is gone. Bikecology is gone. Ted Ernst is gone. Celo Europa is long gone. I have no idea where to go for a local supply of stainless steel, double butted spokes.
Performance Bike Shop is gone. Bikecology is gone. Ted Ernst is gone. Celo Europa is long gone. I have no idea where to go for a local supply of stainless steel, double butted spokes.
Or measure your spoke yourself and buy online. All you need is a ruler.
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Wow!, that one spoke cost me $18 and an hour's time.
Even so, I'm not 100% certain I got the exact length. I am sure it will work.
I am not sure I got stainless steel spokes. The quality of the posted information is so poor: "color = silver".
Nashbar does not even offer spokes.
Even so, I'm not 100% certain I got the exact length. I am sure it will work.
I am not sure I got stainless steel spokes. The quality of the posted information is so poor: "color = silver".
Nashbar does not even offer spokes.
#14
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Actually, there are very few bike shops in the area. They have all gone out of business. What's left tend to specialize in beach cruiser sales. It's pretty sad. Online is just about all there is for me.
Performance Bike Shop is gone. Bikecology is gone. Ted Ernst is gone. Celo Europa is long gone. I have no idea where to go for a local supply of stainless steel, double butted spokes.
Performance Bike Shop is gone. Bikecology is gone. Ted Ernst is gone. Celo Europa is long gone. I have no idea where to go for a local supply of stainless steel, double butted spokes.
I'd suggest you tell us what city you're in, there are a lot of forum members from the land of no rain that can suggest a good bike shop.
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
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#15
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i recently went to ebay for spokes for a wheelset. a bit over $40 for 72 stainless sapim spokes. i can't see how you paid $18 for one. that's nuts (edit: unless you mean that was for the part and labor?)
anyway, this ebay seller operates out of his own shop and cuts and rolls the spokes himself. if you're interested in getting any, he's flexible enough to sell you what you need and not more. iow's, his auctions/bin's are advertised as set amounts, but will happily adjust upon request
anyway, this ebay seller operates out of his own shop and cuts and rolls the spokes himself. if you're interested in getting any, he's flexible enough to sell you what you need and not more. iow's, his auctions/bin's are advertised as set amounts, but will happily adjust upon request
Last edited by thook; 09-22-19 at 08:52 PM.
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
i recently went to ebay for spokes for a wheelset. a bit over $40 for 72 stainless sapim spokes. i can't see how you paid $18 for one. that's nuts (edit: unless you mean that was for the part and labor?)
anyway, this ebay seller operates out of his own shop and cuts and rolls the spokes himself. if you're interested in getting any, he's flexible enough to sell you what you need and not more. iow's, his auctions/bin's are advertised as set amounts, but will happily adjust upon request
anyway, this ebay seller operates out of his own shop and cuts and rolls the spokes himself. if you're interested in getting any, he's flexible enough to sell you what you need and not more. iow's, his auctions/bin's are advertised as set amounts, but will happily adjust upon request
It is NUTZ but I needed to place the order and move on. I had other things to do. Getting the broken spoke out. In-situ measuring of the approximate size of an unbroken spoke. Finding a source of supply for "regular ole" spokes (major disappointment at their rarity). Finding the info I needed for sizing and gages. All that takes precious time.
Anyway, it's on order and should get here soon enough. In the mean time, I will ride a different bike.
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Where is a good place to buy high quality, stainless steel, J-shaped, double butted spokes? I don't do ebay. Is Amazon decent?
I should get some to build replacement wheels in case this broken spoke is a harbinger, a warning, of impending high cycle fatigue failures.
I have an old set of Campagnolo NR high flange hubs and a new set of VO PBP rims.
I should get some to build replacement wheels in case this broken spoke is a harbinger, a warning, of impending high cycle fatigue failures.
I have an old set of Campagnolo NR high flange hubs and a new set of VO PBP rims.
Last edited by Bad Lag; 09-22-19 at 10:14 PM.
#18
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Where is a good place to buy high quality, stainless steel, J-shaped, double butted spokes? I don't do ebay. Is Amazon decent?
I should get some to build replacement wheels in case this broken spoke is a harbinger, a warning, of impending high cycle fatigue failures.
I have an old set of Campagnolo NR high flange hubs and a new set of VO PBP rims.
I should get some to build replacement wheels in case this broken spoke is a harbinger, a warning, of impending high cycle fatigue failures.
I have an old set of Campagnolo NR high flange hubs and a new set of VO PBP rims.
#19
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All that takes precious time.
For spokes, I like Yojimbo's Garage, which has a brick-and-mortar location in Chicago but sells spokes online. I've purchased from them a few times because their prices were best on triple-butted 13-15-14ga spokes, which are my favorite for tandems and touring. They sell Sapim, which seem to make fine spokes. They normally sell through Ebay but might sell you some over the phone if you play the luddite.
Bikecology, what a fine shop they were, my Ron Cooper was purchased there, ages ago of course.
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I purchase spokes (always DT butted for my wheels, and they carry other brands), and many other components, from Universal Cycles:
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...p?category=198
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...p?category=198
#22
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$5 for 5 spokes (the minimum order) + 10% sales tax + almost $13 for shipping (FedEx ground) = $18
It is NUTZ but I needed to place the order and move on. I had other things to do. Getting the broken spoke out. In-situ measuring of the approximate size of an unbroken spoke. Finding a source of supply for "regular ole" spokes (major disappointment at their rarity). Finding the info I needed for sizing and gages. All that takes precious time.
Anyway, it's on order and should get here soon enough. In the mean time, I will ride a different bike.
It is NUTZ but I needed to place the order and move on. I had other things to do. Getting the broken spoke out. In-situ measuring of the approximate size of an unbroken spoke. Finding a source of supply for "regular ole" spokes (major disappointment at their rarity). Finding the info I needed for sizing and gages. All that takes precious time.
Anyway, it's on order and should get here soon enough. In the mean time, I will ride a different bike.
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
#23
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Oh dang! I'm gonna hit you up next time @gugie.
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
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I wish I had a spoke cabinet like that, could use a big one. I only keep silver spokes, never bought any in black.
Bought out a couple of builder's inventories 5-6 years ago and what they had was all silver.
I used to get straight and DB spokes at Steve Lebanski's Open Road shop in Pasadena (now in Altadena) and he always gave me the best deal around.
Bought out a couple of builder's inventories 5-6 years ago and what they had was all silver.
I used to get straight and DB spokes at Steve Lebanski's Open Road shop in Pasadena (now in Altadena) and he always gave me the best deal around.