Bicycle Mechanics - Where to find spokes for...

I'm planning some long trips and want to get some spare spokes... I also got a broken spoke on another wheelset... Custom wheels... Gotta love 'em or hate 'em... I' almost tempted to buy a set of Open Pro wheels with Phil-Wood hubs or something...

OK here is what I'm looking for...

Two front spokes and 4 rear spokes for a MAVIC COSMOS... This is the low end straight pull wheelset... Seem pretty bomb proof but want to make sure I got the right stuff just incase...

Also would like to get the right tool for the COSMOS... I got the cheap plastic one not the nice metal one...

Need a rear-spoke for a FSA RD200 rear wheel... I poped one on the wheel and not sure where to get a replacement...

Maybe a bike shop will have the bike parts you need???

Take the wheel down to your LBS. They should be able to determine the spoke length and can sell you a few spokes. Keep in mind that the rear wheel probably has slightly longer spokes on the left side, so you may want spares for both.

You'll also need a chain whip and a lock-ring tool to remove the cassette if you plan on replacing broken spokes while on the trip.

You'll also need a chain whip and a lock-ring tool to remove the cassette if you plan on replacing broken spokes while on the trip.

I just re-built a rear Mavic Cosmic Equipe wheel. I special ordered the spokes from Mavic through a LBS.
If you give the shop the model name (Cosmos) of the wheel, they can look up the spoke size on the dealer tech site. This can save you some driving around.

Other issues: Do you know how to true a wheel? If you don't, having spare spokes won't help.

Also, per the post above, since the highest probability of spoke breakage always involves drive-side spokes, check to see if you will have to remove the cassette in order to replace a spoke. Since these are straight pull it may not be necessary, but if it is, in addition to the chain whip and lock-ring tool you'll require a wrench with enough leverage to reef on the lock-ring tool. For this possibility of spoke breakage, you'll be hauling a fair amount of hardware. A few questions; how many miles are on these wheels and up to this point, have you had any problems with them. Also, do they make any creaking noises? Finally, how much do you weigh?

The probability of spoke breakage increases with the miles put on the wheels and if they are making noise, with the Mavics, it's generally a sign of less than satisfactory spoke tension. Lastly, I wouldn't use these wheels for loaded touring. If your planning on carrying packs on the rear, you'll require a wheel with more spokes, ideally 36.