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Old 07-30-09, 03:11 PM
  #17  
Hydrated
Reeks of aged cotton duck
 
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Middle Georgia, USA
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Bikes: 2008 Kogswell PR mkII, 1976 Raleigh Professional, 1996 Serotta Atlanta, 1984 Trek 520, 1979 Raleigh Comp GS

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Originally Posted by RonaldHaines100
what is the disadvantage to used spokes? they are bent?
I have a few reasons for avoiding used spokes:
  • Metal fatigue. This is a contentious topic, but the engineer in me can't ignore the fact that spokes take and release loading with every revolution of the wheel. Some folks don't think it's a factor though.
  • It's cheap to buy new spokes. If I'm going to spend the time to build a wheel, I'll invest the $30 or $40 to use new spokes.
  • It's a major pain to replace or repair broken spokes on the road. So I take whatever precautions that I can to avoid spoke failure out there. I'd hate to think that I shredded a nice tire or mangled my nifty XTR rear derailleur because I saved 75 cents by reusing an old spoke.

That said... many people reuse spokes with no ill effects at all. I just don't get warm fuzzies recycling spokes.
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