Bicycle Mechanics - what spoke wrench for ultegra hubs

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Highwheel
09-07-09, 08:34 PM
I have a set of Ultegra hubs. The type that have the nipples at the hub end. Is there a spoke wrench that is optimum for this style? I have the traditional Park spoke wrench but its tough to get in there.

Thanks,


Al1943
09-07-09, 08:37 PM
It depends on the size of the nipples. Park makes spoke wrenches of various color coded sized. The newer type that grips all four corners is much better. Get the right size. Take the wheel to your LBS and find the wrench that fits best, good and snug.

Jeff Wills
09-07-09, 09:30 PM
Hang on, Al- the OP's wheels are built-up units from Shimano, with the whackdoodle inside-out spokes. Here's the Shimano data sheet:
http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/EV/actionsports/WH/EV-WH-6600-F-2561B_v1_m56577569830628725.pdf

Note that it references two nipple wrenches (why does that phrase make me hear Beavis and Butt-head?). Searching on "TL-WH-77" found this:
http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?d=single&item_id=SH-TL-WH77
There's also a Park tool:
http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?&d=single&item_id=PA-SW14


operator
09-08-09, 12:18 AM
It depends on the size of the nipples. Park makes spoke wrenches of various color coded sized. The newer type that grips all four corners is much better. Get the right size. Take the wheel to your LBS and find the wrench that fits best, good and snug.

Yeah too bad none of those will fit the specific shimano wheels which use their own specific spoke wrench. Read posts instead of writing generic cookie cutter replies.

Highwheel
09-14-09, 08:06 AM
Thanks Jeff,
I purchased the Park wrench you prescribed. It fits but what a poor wheel design. I know that Shimano's idea was to place the added weight of the spokes closer to the center but form does not follow function here. I feel like I'm working on a car engine where you can't get a wrench into the little space that is required to repair it. I'll not buy this type of wheel again. No way.

Retro Grouch
09-14-09, 08:09 AM
Operator's right! Those wheels require a specific Shimano spoke wrench. If you're buying one, spend the extra money for the shop grade one with the longer, smoother handle.

Panthers007
09-14-09, 10:05 AM
This is the Shimano one. The Park one is about 2/3rds the price:

http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=180244260661&d=single&c=Tools&sc=Wheel-and-Rim&tc=Spoke-Wrenches&item_id=SH-TL-WH77

well biked
09-14-09, 10:23 AM
Operator's right!

I agree that this odd circumstance is worthy of an exclamation point.

DMF
09-14-09, 05:23 PM
You should also get a tool to hold the spoke from twisting as you tighten the nut. There are generic tools for bladed spokes that work just fine on these.

DMF
09-15-09, 09:46 AM
one tool for holding bladed-spokes to prevent wind-up can be found here:

http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=180244260661&d=single&c=tools&sc=wheel-and-rim&tc=spoke-holders&item_id=sa-bsk

you're welcome.
tia