Originally Posted by
SamSam77
I think they are pretty ordinary spokes: plain gauge, j-bend. They all have snapped near the hub (the arc of the j is always gone, leaving just a straight rod behind). I have been replacing them with what should be the equivalent, as deemed by my local bike shop.
I'll also add that I have had spokes break on both sides of the wheel, drive side + non-drive side.
I called Jenson who suggested I submit a claim through them to the bike company, but they seemed fairly apathetic about it all.
I went to my local bike shop to get some more replacement spokes (just to keep it rideable while perusing warranty claims and possible replacements). I talked to two mechanics. The first mechanic, after looking it over, seemed barely concerned about breaking 3 spokes in such a short distance/time ("oh, it's definitely unusual, but these things happen, we could take a look at it for you and maybe put some thread locker on to prevent the spokes from coming loose"). The second mechanic barely glanced at the wheel, saw it was stock WTB wheel, and immediately poo-pooed it as worthless ("It's a cheap WTB wheel, you're just going to keep breaking the spokes no matter what we do, it's just going to self-destruct. You should upgrade to this $400 wheel we have right here.").
I hope I can cut through all this for you. I have been a mechanic and wheelbuilder since 1990.
1. There is nothing wrong with the design and materials of your wheel. Not the type of spokes, number or spokes, rim or hub design. There are better wheel components, but these are perfectly acceptable. The problem is the lack of spoke head seating and proper tensioning. And that's because the wheels were built by a machine.
2. You are owed something for your trouble. Regardless of how the Jenson phone attendant sounded, do the process. You'll get something for it, and the company will take a lesson that might spare other customers.
3. Your wheels need to go to someone who is familiar with building wheels, and knows what "seating the spoke bends" is, and can do that and tension the wheel evenly and at reasonable tension. Once that is done, the wheels should last a very long time.