Touring - Regular spokes or Kevlar spokes

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bradw
02-27-04, 02:51 PM
I'm trying to plan for some multi-day trips this year, and one concern is replacing spokes on the road.

It seems I have at least two options:

1) Get a Stein Mini Cassette Lock tool (HyperCracker) and a few spokes of the appropriate lengths for my wheels.

2) Get some Kevlar spokes, which I see for sale at around $10/per on Sheldon Brown's website.

Are the Kevlar spokes all one length? Do they hold up for long trips, or are they a quick fix to get you home for a real repair?

Any comments on these or other options are welcome.

roadfix
02-27-04, 04:07 PM
Unless you have a history of broken spokes on your particular wheelset under load, I really wouldn't worry about carrying extra spokes. As far as kevlar....I've never used them so I don't know......but I would imagine it'll be ok as a temporary fix.
supcom
02-27-04, 08:23 PM
From what I've seen, the kevlar spokes are adjustable for the length you need. One size fits all. They are intended to be temporary fixes until you can get the spoke replaced.

froze
02-28-04, 10:43 PM
Though I have never toured, I have rode as much as 158 miles in day and I ride all the time in remote areas. I never needed a spare spoke. And as one person already mentioned if your not having problems breaking spokes now then more than likely you won't. But if you want to play it safe the fiber spoke is perfectly ok and it can store away in a seat bag; if I were touring I would carry one of those but not a steel spoke.