I'm at the point in a few builds where I know I will have to build wheels. Previously. I had been using string and rubber bands to attempt to keep the spokes organized, but I've had to intervene a few times as I plan things out so the need for better organization came up and smacked me in the head. After contemplation, I came up with a design, and from there, I adjusted. In the end, it appears functional, and seems relatively sturdy despite being a bit lop-sided. I plan to add a couple hooks for spoke wrenches, but mostly, it is done, and ready to help me build 3-4 sets of wheels.

Has anyone else built something that helps them organize their stash? Custom bike stands? Wheel hangers? Let's see your creativity.

One celery bag per spoke length. Three or four bags fit nicely into tall oatmeal canisters.

Cool idea. That's a utensil spinner right? You could use small labels for sizes in order.

Bike stand





Bike rack

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Hubs

Awesome and classy. Thanks for sharing.

It's not, actually. It's a dowel and two sections of board that were butchered consistently, then attached. Attached an in-progress image. It's considerably more trouble than celery bags and an oatmeal cannister, but it gave me practice with the drill press, and using the forstner bits, and the jigsaw and sawing a board edgewise by hand (technique allowed me to narrowly avert a disaster, even if the end result is a bit "rustic", and also using wood chisels to smooth over some of the more egregious mistakes. The entire experience reminded me why I have been subconsciously resisting urges to pick up a torch and make a frame. iab's bike stand design is inspiring, and I imagine I'd only create three or four flawed iterations before getting the hang of it.

The labeling idea also occurred to me - but can you even source those dymo label-makers and the rolls of adhesive any more? They make 'updated' versions, but those seem overkill.

Do you actually use those spokes ? Really ?

Asking for a friend

There's a mix. Some I'd keep to have an emergency replacement spoke. Some find uses in the garden. The thing is, I am a bit organizationally challenged, and I find myself identifying some of my behaviors that have permitted me to cope - which is a bit puzzling to myself even, because where some people see trees, and I find myself asking, "what about the forest?", yet on some other instances, the reverse is true. What I have just done is a step towards getting a handle on my current state.

Back to the spokes - there are a couple wheels' worth that have either never been laced, and also some which were laced as new onto wheels which were never used, and then later dis-assembled - a couple of which were on tubular wheels which had tires glued-on. You're also seeing a considerable amount of grime from handling them with shop hands. Bottom line is, I won't build up a wheel with any intent to be ridden using spokes that show indications of a defect or unfitness.

I, too, am a user of used spokes and have been using them for many years. I inspect each spoke carefully to ensure no damage or deficiencies. Then, I put the nipples back on, take sets together with masking tape and Sharpie length on the tape. Then into the box until I need them. Sometimes, though rarely, I even save plated spokes just in case. The concern is, do used spokes stand up to the test of use and time? So far so good, so far prettyy good. For a year or two I ran my Jamaica Bianchi with one broken spoke on the rear wheel. A little back yard mechanic wheel truing and back in business...

So much more organized than my system:



You've given me some ideas, John. Thanks!

Start saving spaghetti boxes!

Good stuff folks! Spokes are so hard to keep organized.