Bicycle Mechanics - broken bike spokes

I just discovered that wheels on all 3 of my bikes that are garage kept have broken spokes. All 3 bikes were purchased in 2005. Two from a dealer and the other from a discount center. They have only been ridden a few times. Any ideas what would cause the spokes to have clean breaks without any notable stress. I live in South Texas and they are garage kept and no exposure to moisture.

There was/is an issue with a bad batch of stainless spokes from a Chinese spoke factory. They can be found on several different brands of bikes. The spokes break mid spoke regardless of use or storage conditions. Check with your LBS as some manufacturers will warranty these wheels even if they are older than 12 months.

Gremlins

If you have a pool, and store the chemicals in the garage, near where your bikes are kept, it is possible that could be your problem. The chemicals are super caustic. Check the spokes for very small spots of rust-like stuff.

Chad

Are you not spending enough time with your wife/whatever? Check the breaks for tool marks.

Have you ever heard that storing swimming pool chlorine in the same garage can have this effect on your spokes?


There was/is an issue with a bad batch of stainless spokes from a Chinese spoke factory. They can be found on several different brands of bikes. The spokes break mid spoke regardless of use or storage conditions. Check with your LBS as some manufacturers will warranty these wheels even if they are older than 12 months.