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.