Mountain Biking - Spokes and nipples? need some opinions..

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Mad Dog JR
03-10-04, 06:45 PM
Well yesterday i busted a spoke on the rear... looks like that spoke protector DOES do somthing other than look crapy (what do ya know :mad: )

Anyways, since im replacing one... and i know others in the rear are a little scuffed from the chain derailing, that i might as well do them all as race sesson is rapidy aproaching and i dont want one busting durring or right before a race.

Anyways, what i have now is Mavic 223 disc rims, black DT swiss stainless spokes(not sure on gauge) and im not sure on brand of hubs (no name disc hubs). The intened use is XC racing and some trail riding and LOTS training.
I only weigh 135-140 pounds (goes up and down durring summer/winter :D) and im 6 foot, so i dont need the most burly spokes.

What i do want to do is play around with nipple colors, and as far as i know... alimunum nipples are the only ones that are colored, is it a problem if i use aluminum?

So is there any opinions on what spokes i should get? and nipples?

Thanks!
Jonathan

TimB
03-11-04, 01:41 AM
spokes: Dt Comp or SAPIM

Nipples: Firm pink ones or the button type please
midwestmntnbkr
03-11-04, 04:52 AM
aluminum will strip out easier, and also the flats will round off sooner than brass if you tend to fine tune them, or tension them often. If you put them on and never mess with them, aluminum will be fine.

Also if the nice looking color is what your after, once the edges get worn off from truing and tensioning, they will no longer be colored. The plain alum will show through so your cool looking nipples now look old and very used.