Generic butted spokes?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 795
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From: Chicago, IL
Bikes: Schwinn Voyageur
Generic butted spokes?
So I was looking through the J&B catalog the other day, and I saw some generic double butted spokes for round about $25-30 per hundred, shop cost. I'm wondering if anyone here has ever tried them?
Seems to me a butted spoke is a butted spoke, and the only difference would be metallurgy and finishing. Pretty sure these were stainless steel. Might be a little rougher around the edges, but I assume all the benefits of butted spokes would be present, unless they're prone to failure for some reason I can't think of.
Any thoughts?
Seems to me a butted spoke is a butted spoke, and the only difference would be metallurgy and finishing. Pretty sure these were stainless steel. Might be a little rougher around the edges, but I assume all the benefits of butted spokes would be present, unless they're prone to failure for some reason I can't think of.
Any thoughts?
Last edited by krems81; 03-13-09 at 04:23 PM.
#2
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,244
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From: Auld Blighty
Bikes: Early Cannondale tandem, '99 S&S Frezoni Audax, '65 Moulton Stowaway, '52 Claud Butler, TSR30, Brompton
Not all stainless steel is the same and not all cold-working (drawing the wire, etc) has the same effect on fatigue life. There is a reason why name-brand spokes are used by decent quality wheels IMHO.
#3
If they're stainless and they aren't for anything special you'll be ok.
Back in the day we'd order generic for our over the counter wheels or low end custom builds. IIRC we ordered 500 or 1000 bulk packs and cut them down as needed.
Back in the day we'd order generic for our over the counter wheels or low end custom builds. IIRC we ordered 500 or 1000 bulk packs and cut them down as needed.
#4
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 795
Likes: 18
From: Chicago, IL
Bikes: Schwinn Voyageur
Thats what I thought. They may not be as fine as dt, but i figure they have the benefits of butted spokes, and still outlast the rim more often than not.
Last edited by krems81; 03-14-09 at 07:34 AM.






