extra spokes...
 

was thinking on picking up some extra spokes after i broke one this morning on my rear 27 x 1 1/4 - the spoke is about 12 inches and with the calipers came in 1.95ish on the width

was asking the LBS about picking up a bunch of spokes so i dont have to run in every time one breaks - also i like to hoard parts so there you go - but anyway...

is there too much variability with spoke sizes to bother picking up some extras

all my wheels are 27 x 1 1/4 but obviously there could be differences in lenght and width? or is there a standard size out there that i could search out on ebay or the LBS that would generally meet my needs should another spoke go down

The spoke size varies with the rim and hub...all your wheels may use different spoke sizes.

If you can measure accurately from the the head at the hub right to the rim then add 3mm (1mm for rim thickness and 2mm for nipple head) or so that should give you a decent approximation of spoke length to order replacements to have on hand.

I would recommend childhood_dreams on eBay. If you put together and order for several spokes of each length you need Lee can fix you up I imagine since he cuts and threads to order. The spoke you measured is a 2.0mm or 14G spoke. Lee also has double butted 14/15/14 should you need them.

A spoke has 2 measurements: the gauge and the length. They can also be butted (thick at the ends, thinner in the middle), and stainless, cadmium or chrome (and black and colors these days). I'd just buy a few at a shop that matches what the wheels are build with now.

Unfortunately, in my experience, a spoke almost always breaks on the freewheel side, so its not really a roadside repair.

thanks for the info guys - yes this was a freewheel side break
i am doing the install myself cause it costs 20 for them to ddo the repair but only a buck for the spoke

looks pretty straight forward - am i right about this

i have experience truing and usually do a decent job though i need to get a true stand
also i am picking up a dish gauge tool and was considering something to measure tension - it occured to me that the break could be related to improper tension even if running true? thoughts?

I've always regarded this fitment as a neat way to avoid chain slap, but not too practical for carrying the proper spares...

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=195620

As for popped spokes on the freewheel side, I feel your pain out on the trail. 8{
I'm hoping to circumvent that debacle with my boutonniere hub.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=195616

This Brooks Cornwall handlebar bag provides an index for carrying all your drive/non drive and front wheel spokes. It's a big spender though.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=195621

Curious, my Fuji has this on the non drive side.

Awesome.

If you need to buy spokes to have on hand, I did notice Niagara Cycle Works has them for 14 cents to 20 cents a piece. Much cheaper than the ones I would up buying at an LBS.

I had a '08 Fuji Tourer and a 70's Fuji Tourer both with the spare Spoke holder on the Non-Drive-Side. Always thought it would have made more sense on the drive side doubling as a chain slap protector.

Its pretty straightforward but since you're dealing with a Break on the drive side, you'll more than likely need to remove the freewheel to replace the spoke....that's likely why your LBS wants 20 bones to do the replacement for you.

A dish stick is, IMHO, unnecessary unless you're building wheels and even then you can get by just fine without it.
A tensionmeter is a nice tool, and sometimes spoke breakage can be caused by improper tension even when the wheel is true.

It's heavy as hell too. My LBS has one in their Brooks display. It'll never sell.

It's too bad they don't revive that good ol' Carradice Lowdown strategy, on the front with a fixed rack.

picked up a half dozen spokes at the LBS and installed the spoke and trued wheel - ready to roll - thanks all for the input
btw - 20 bucks is my LBSs standard list price for the spoke fix and truing
great guys over there and i like supporting them but i like to do any work i can myself - i took the 20 i woulda spent on the service and picked up an equal valued accessory