Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Spokes

Old 10-30-11, 07:44 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
back4more's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NE, Ohio
Posts: 490

Bikes: 2010 Cannondale Supersix 3

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Spokes

Broke a spoke riding today. It was cold 31 degrees, the road was realatively smooth, flat and straight at the time. It was a rear spoke and the bike is about 1 year old with about 2k miles. I stopped imediately and called for a ride home. My questions are:

1. Should I replace the broken spoke or should I assume that there has been uneven stress caused by the failure and replace all the spokes in order to avoid a chain reaction of additional failures due to the stress created?

2. Since spokes get stress and progress toward fatigue with each revolution shoud I replace the spokes in both wheels.

3. The wheels are Shimano RS-80 with stock spokes, should I replace the spokes with a lighter better spoke?
back4more is offline  
Old 10-30-11, 07:48 PM
  #2  
Throw the stick!!!!
 
LowCel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Charleston, WV
Posts: 18,150

Bikes: GMC Denali

Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 176 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times in 31 Posts
Just replace the broken spoke. If you have any more problems, then you can start thinking about other options. 2,000 miles isn't anything for a wheelset so you should be fine after replacing the spoke.
__________________
I may be fat but I'm slow enough to make up for it.
LowCel is offline  
Old 10-31-11, 10:36 AM
  #3  
I eat carbide.
 
Psimet2001's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Elgin, IL
Posts: 21,627

Bikes: Lots. Van Dessel and Squid Dealer

Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1325 Post(s)
Liked 1,306 Times in 560 Posts
Originally Posted by back4more
1. Should I replace the broken spoke or should I assume that there has been uneven stress caused by the failure and replace all the spokes in order to avoid a chain reaction of additional failures due to the stress created?
Replace the spoke and then make sure that the wheel is properly tensioned and trued.

Originally Posted by back4more
2. Since spokes get stress and progress toward fatigue with each revolution shoud I replace the spokes in both wheels.
Replace the spoke and then make sure that the wheel is properly tensioned and trued.

Originally Posted by back4more
3. The wheels are Shimano RS-80 with stock spokes, should I replace the spokes with a lighter better spoke?
Replace the spoke and then make sure that the wheel is properly tensioned and trued.

Do NOT replace 1 spoke with something completely different unless it's the only thing you can find that will work.
__________________
PSIMET Wheels, PSIMET Racing, PSIMET Neutral Race Support, and 11 Jackson Coffee
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels

Psimet2001 is offline  
Old 10-31-11, 10:42 AM
  #4  
Throw the stick!!!!
 
LowCel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Charleston, WV
Posts: 18,150

Bikes: GMC Denali

Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 176 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times in 31 Posts
I know that Psimet didn't mention it, but you should probably replace the spoke and then make sure that the wheel is properly tensioned and trued.
__________________
I may be fat but I'm slow enough to make up for it.
LowCel is offline  
Old 10-31-11, 10:57 AM
  #5  
Freddin' it
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Wichita
Posts: 807
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Yo, Psimet. I broke my first spoke on a 28-spoke Mavic Open Sport rear wheel using a generic Specialized hub with straight-pull spokes. The wheel has over 42,000 miles on it, and the spoke broke right at the nipple "just riding along." I assume it was from 42,000 miles of stress cycles, and that the other spokes are nearing the end of their life, too. I think it's more cost and time effective to just replace the whole wheel at this point. Agree?
akansaskid is offline  
Old 10-31-11, 11:35 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
ericm979's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Santa Cruz Mountains
Posts: 6,169
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
That's a lot of miles for a wheel. Congratulations.

Wait until you break two or three spokes. Once they start breaking regularly then it's time to rebuild the wheel.
A wheel with 42,000 miles on it probably needs a new rim due to brake track wear. Unless you love the hubs its easier to buy a new wheel.
ericm979 is offline  
Old 10-31-11, 12:52 PM
  #7  
I eat carbide.
 
Psimet2001's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Elgin, IL
Posts: 21,627

Bikes: Lots. Van Dessel and Squid Dealer

Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1325 Post(s)
Liked 1,306 Times in 560 Posts
Originally Posted by ericm979
That's a lot of miles for a wheel. Congratulations.

Wait until you break two or three spokes. Once they start breaking regularly then it's time to rebuild the wheel.
A wheel with 42,000 miles on it probably needs a new rim due to brake track wear. Unless you love the hubs its easier to buy a new wheel.
+1 - akanasakid - replace if it's just 1 broken. When you get to 3 broken - replace them all. That said the rim is almost assuredly toast. Don't spend the time fixing it if the rim will most likely crack and fail at the brake surface.

remember - rims are considered "consumables" through normal use.
__________________
PSIMET Wheels, PSIMET Racing, PSIMET Neutral Race Support, and 11 Jackson Coffee
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels

Psimet2001 is offline  
Old 10-31-11, 03:39 PM
  #8  
Freddin' it
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Wichita
Posts: 807
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Thanks, guys. New wheel set is already on it's way. I've gotten my good and more from these and time lost is too important. Heck, I never even did anything with the cartridge bearings on these and they are still smooth. But I'm more interested in riding than setting wheel longevity records. I assume one failure under no apparent catastrophic event meant fatigue, and the other spokes are tired, too.
akansaskid is offline  
Old 10-31-11, 05:32 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
back4more's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NE, Ohio
Posts: 490

Bikes: 2010 Cannondale Supersix 3

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
My LBS called shimano and new spoke (to match) is on the way - interesting the spoke broke in the middle not an end.
back4more is offline  
Old 10-31-11, 05:32 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
back4more's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NE, Ohio
Posts: 490

Bikes: 2010 Cannondale Supersix 3

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
should i have the wheel properly tensioned and trued**********???
back4more is offline  
Old 10-31-11, 06:12 PM
  #11  
Throw the stick!!!!
 
LowCel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Charleston, WV
Posts: 18,150

Bikes: GMC Denali

Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 176 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times in 31 Posts
Originally Posted by back4more
should i have the wheel properly tensioned and trued**********???
You might want to consider it.
__________________
I may be fat but I'm slow enough to make up for it.
LowCel is offline  
Old 10-31-11, 08:54 PM
  #12  
I eat carbide.
 
Psimet2001's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Elgin, IL
Posts: 21,627

Bikes: Lots. Van Dessel and Squid Dealer

Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1325 Post(s)
Liked 1,306 Times in 560 Posts
Originally Posted by back4more
should i have the wheel properly tensioned and trued**********???
Only if your mechanic says that he's a professional....

__________________
PSIMET Wheels, PSIMET Racing, PSIMET Neutral Race Support, and 11 Jackson Coffee
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels

Psimet2001 is offline  
Old 11-01-11, 07:38 AM
  #13  
Come on you Spurs!
 
renton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 653

Bikes: Trek 2.1, BMC Roadracer SL01

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
After you get the new spoke you should have the wheel properly tensioned and trued.
renton is offline  
Old 11-01-11, 07:55 AM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
himespau's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,553
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4199 Post(s)
Liked 2,913 Times in 1,781 Posts
Originally Posted by akansaskid
Thanks, guys. New wheel set is already on it's way. I've gotten my good and more from these and time lost is too important. Heck, I never even did anything with the cartridge bearings on these and they are still smooth. But I'm more interested in riding than setting wheel longevity records. I assume one failure under no apparent catastrophic event meant fatigue, and the other spokes are tired, too.
Maybe this can now be a bad weather wheelset until the other spokes start breaking?
__________________
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?), 1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"





himespau is offline  
Old 11-01-11, 11:17 AM
  #15  
Freddin' it
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Wichita
Posts: 807
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by himespau
Maybe this can now be a bad weather wheelset until the other spokes start breaking?
I ride year 'round and don't relish the thought of having a broken spoke or two 40 miles from home when it's bad weather. In bad weather why venture out with equipment you already know is on its last legs? I'll fix this old set up to have on hand for what I hope is much later when the new wheelset starts needing repairs. It's probably good for a few more miles, but I'm not willing to bet on it when the weather's crappy.
akansaskid is offline  
Old 11-01-11, 01:55 PM
  #16  
Senior Member
 
Looigi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,951
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 12 Posts
I broke a spoke 20 miles into a century. I put in a temp Kevlar spoke and completed the ride.

https://www.yellowjersey.org/fiberfix.html
Looigi is offline  
Old 11-01-11, 09:10 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 342
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Psimet2001

remember - rims are considered "consumables" through normal use.
Are spokes/hubs? I've read that reusing spokes is a bad idea because they get bent and set-in a certain way.
ruindd is offline  
Old 11-01-11, 09:20 PM
  #18  
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
 
Sixty Fiver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: YEG
Posts: 27,272

Bikes: See my sig...

Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 67 Post(s)
Liked 128 Times in 95 Posts
Replace the spoke and then make sure that the wheel is properly tensioned and trued.

Butted spokes will usually break in the middle where they are thinner while straight gauge spokes tend to break at the hub flange... nothing unusual with that.
Sixty Fiver is offline  
Old 11-01-11, 09:31 PM
  #19  
Genetics have failed me
 
Scummer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Zorneding, Germany
Posts: 3,057

Bikes: Norwid Aaland, Radon Slide 140, Elom 505 Titan, Dahon mju, Pedalforce CX1, Battaglin Power+, Old MTB and lots of spare parts

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 31 Post(s)
Liked 15 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by Psimet2001
Only if your mechanic says that he's a professional....

__________________
Gelato aficionado.
Scummer is offline  
Old 11-01-11, 09:43 PM
  #20  
I eat carbide.
 
Psimet2001's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Elgin, IL
Posts: 21,627

Bikes: Lots. Van Dessel and Squid Dealer

Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1325 Post(s)
Liked 1,306 Times in 560 Posts
Originally Posted by ruindd
Are spokes/hubs? I've read that reusing spokes is a bad idea because they get bent and set-in a certain way.
In general it's a poor idea to reuse spokes. There are times when it is acceptable, but for the purposes of this discussion don't reuse them.
__________________
PSIMET Wheels, PSIMET Racing, PSIMET Neutral Race Support, and 11 Jackson Coffee
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels

Psimet2001 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ehdeeboi
Bicycle Mechanics
6
08-21-17 09:10 AM
zdavez
Bicycle Mechanics
7
04-23-15 06:26 AM
E_is_Chill
Bicycle Mechanics
4
09-25-12 10:04 PM
NealH
Bicycle Mechanics
8
09-01-10 06:48 PM
adamant
Bicycle Mechanics
15
01-26-10 02:33 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.