need recommendation for replacing Trek spoke
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 358
Likes: 1
From: Irving, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount
need recommendation for replacing Trek spoke
When I have built wheels for myself I usually ordered DT spokes. My training bike is a Trek and has a broken spoke that I need to replace. Its spokes and nipples are average for an Asian bike. I can't find anywhere online to order an equivalent spoke. Most places only have straight gauge spokes by DT. I can buy one of those and install it, the only problem being a nipple that doesn't match the rest. Should I go ahead and go this route and just not worry about it?
#2
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
The whole world uses the same standards for spokes, so a generic 2mm spoke from Japan, China or Taiwan will take the same UNC 2-56 thread nipple as DT, Sapim or Wheelsmith, etc.
So the nipple will only be slightly different cosmetically. Unfortunately the dimensions of the nipple's wrench flats aren't as standardized, so it may call for a different spoke wrench for optimal fit. That's why there are 3 different spoke wrenches for 14g spoke nipples.
If you want to, either for cosmetics, or to keep the nipple flats uniform, feel free to use the original nipple with your new spoke (assuming of course that it's still in OK condition).
So, just get the closest match you can find, making sure the length is right. Odds are you'll only find stainless steel, since not many places stock plated spokes for the aftermarket. Do try to replace butted with butted, or plain with plain, but even that isn't super critical except for cosmetics.
So the nipple will only be slightly different cosmetically. Unfortunately the dimensions of the nipple's wrench flats aren't as standardized, so it may call for a different spoke wrench for optimal fit. That's why there are 3 different spoke wrenches for 14g spoke nipples.
If you want to, either for cosmetics, or to keep the nipple flats uniform, feel free to use the original nipple with your new spoke (assuming of course that it's still in OK condition).
So, just get the closest match you can find, making sure the length is right. Odds are you'll only find stainless steel, since not many places stock plated spokes for the aftermarket. Do try to replace butted with butted, or plain with plain, but even that isn't super critical except for cosmetics.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#3
Really Old Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,679
Likes: 1,916
From: Mid Willamette Valley, Orygun
Bikes: 87 RockHopper,2008 Specialized Globe. Both upgraded to 9 speeds. 2019 Giant Explore E+3
Who orders 1 generic spoke online?
Go to your LBS and spend a buck.
You have it in hand in a matter of minutes.
Go to your LBS and spend a buck.
You have it in hand in a matter of minutes.
#5
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 358
Likes: 1
From: Irving, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount
I did not know that nipples were interchangeable, I never tried it.
It's a 20 mile round trip across the city to a shop so I was trying for an easier way to get a spoke, but I just remembered that when my company moved our offices recently I found a small bike shop relatively close. I'll call them next week to see if they have a 14 ga of the right length.
It's a 20 mile round trip across the city to a shop so I was trying for an easier way to get a spoke, but I just remembered that when my company moved our offices recently I found a small bike shop relatively close. I'll call them next week to see if they have a 14 ga of the right length.
#6
Color? Are your spokes black or silver? Nonetheless, the best advice is to go local unless you're planning on rebuilding the whole wheel, or have something special like a bladed straight pull spoke.
#7
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 358
Likes: 1
From: Irving, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount
They're ordinary straight gauge stainless steel, 14 ga., nothing fancy.








