I broke one on my trusty 2007 Surly Cross Check -- the wheels are one of the few original parts left. I need to replace a broken one, but I'm not sure what to order. The specs say DT Swiss stainless steel, 14ga. (2.0mm)
straight gauge, but don't give a length. Does anyone know, or how precisely does one measure?

Thanks in advance,

Steve M.

Either check with Surley or remove one and measure it from the inside of the bend to the end of the threads.

One measurement is worth a thousand assumptions. Remember that on a rear wheel the LH spokes are typically a mm or 2 longer then the drive side spokes are. Also get a few extra as the likelihood of more breakages increase with each that have broken already. Andy

Sounds suspiciously like, "Take off the one that's going to break next, measure it, and buy two to replace them."

Best course of action is to take the wheel to a shop. They have spoke length rulers that are more accurate than what you have at home, and probably have the replacement spoke in stock. You can also play around with this spoke length calculator.

Maybe but not really. I didn't say anything about which spoke was going to break next. I know your comment was likely meant as a funny. But I said to get a few more specifically because we don't know which, when or how many might break next. Only that history shows that once spokes break there's a strong tendency to have more break too and sooner then the first one. Andy

After two spokes broke in a rear wheel of mine, I just relaced the entire wheel, figuring the third was coming sooner or later. More likely sooner and probably when I was a long way from home.

As soon as the 2nd one breaks at the flange on one of my wheels - all of the spokes get replaced. My go to spoke is Wheelsmith DB14 with nickel plated brass nipples.

Spokes break at the flange due to fatigue. They break at the nipple due to impact - from a stick or rock.

Some ways to determine length:
1 - Remove a spoke from the same side of the wheel as you need to replace, and measure from bend of elbow to the end.
2 - Measure from the bend of the elbow to nipple and add 12mm. Questionable accuracy, probably good enough most of the time.
3 - Look up the hub and rim for their dimensions and do the calculations on a spoke calculator.
4 - Contact the manufacturer and ask.

I strongly suspect Surly would provide you with the spoke length if you asked them.

If you do your own building then rebuild the wheel with double butted and tension properly. At least 100Kg rear drive side.