Bicycle Mechanics - Reusing spokes

OK I know that it is genrally a good idea to always use new spokes. However, I dinged a four week old wheel and am goint to replace the rim.

Is there any problem reusing spokes that are only four weeks old?

Also. I am planning on using new nipples. The ones that are on there have a 5.5mm hex head with a nylon insert. Any idea where I can get a bag or jar of these. I found an LBS that has them for $1 each. Fine for replacing one or two, but I am going to do 28.

No.......I've rebuilt same wheels many times over using the same spokes. Never had a problem.....at least for me.
Hope you get that wheel situation taken care of before the Solvang ride this weekend. It's gonna be nice up there! Good luck...

George

Hi George. Thanks for the advice. I'll have to ride the bent one in Solvang. I can get it very straight laterally and there is one slight dip radially where it took the impact. Not enough to notice while riding. The spoke tensions are WAY off to get this done though. Like it is, I would have to true it constantly, so I decided to just replace it since it is so new.

I did 75 miles on it last Sat. and it was OK. So I am confident that it will make it through the century. (as long as I can)

Now, I just have to find those nipples.

Are these brass nipples? For a buck a piece I would reuse them. Or if a standard nipple will work, get someof those.

And, when you build the new rim in, just line up the new and old rims, tape them together and swap the spokes one at a time. Detension the old rim first. This is much easier than unlacing the hub and relacing and a little easier on the spokes.

I just looked at a Cosmos and you can use the standard nipples.

Thanks Rev. I just saw that tape the rims together trick in Cycling Mag today at lunch.

That is one of the brilliant tricks that fall under "why didn't I think of that". It will definately make my life easier.

Yes they are brass. So I rounded a couple off getting the bent rim straight enough to ride. I might go ahead a reuse them and just replace the damaged ones.

I have cross-laced many new rims onto existing wheels, without ever a problem, particularly in a situation such as yours.

The only time I would change spokes no question is on a wheel that had spoke brakage before the rim died, or was made from less than top shelf spokes.
But then I build wheels for fun.