Question About FiberFix Emergency Replacement Spoke Kit
 

I'm convinced I want one of these for my tool kit, but I'm going to want to do a practice run on an old wheel before I take it out on tour. Does the kit come with only enough parts for one repair?

It's a single replacement spoke.

I don't think it's meant to be reused, but I could be wrong about that.

Yes, only 1. Be careful not to over tighten as it will pull out your rim.

I have one it my toolkit, but have never had to use it. What i would like to know about the FiberFix is how far you could ride on it before the rim,or the FiberFix fail or more spokes break.

It's kinda like a snake bite kit, you don't need to test it.

I have the FiberFix Emergency Replacement Spoke Kit. To answer your question: there are only parts to replace one spoke. However, it is reusable so it can be used again for subsequent repairs.

I have used my kit one time and it worked great. On the first day of a two-day ride (the Hilly Hundred), I broke a rear spoke. I was able to compete that day's ride. Back at my campsite I turned the bike upside down and pulled up my camp chair. I used the kit to replace the broken spoke and got the rear wheel ship-shape. It probably took me about 45 minutes, but I am very slow at mechanical work. It could be used for a road-side repair if the circumstances required it.

I have just pulled the kit out of my parts baggie. Instruction #1 : "Remain calm and congratulate yourself for carrying FiberFix in your tool kit."

Yes, I've used one once on a roadside repair. Very handy to be able to replace a drive-side spoke without needing to remove the cassette/freewheel. It's only intended to be used temporarily until you can get a regular spoke of the right length/type and have the tools to install it. The Fiberfix can then be put back in your repair toolkit ready for the next broken spoke.

Thanks. I'm double-posting on another forum, and the common feeling is that the kit is designed to be re-used. My concern is that the "spoke" will be too stretched after one use to properly tension a second time, but maybe I'm wrong.

Can I buy this in a bike shop, or do I have to order online?

They can be reused..Buy one where you find one.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h.../TempSpoke.jpg

Man, what a great idea. I've got the day off and I'm going out to find one!

been meaning to buy one of these for ages....

ps, did an online search for it and this was the first of numerous vids showing it being used.

Hermit's Workshop. FiberFix emergency replacement spoke tutorial - YouTube

One of the fundamental properties of the Kevlar fiber used in the FiberFix kit is that it doesn't stretch much, if at all.

I've never found a bike shop that carries them in the store. I ordered mine online, though I don't remember where I got it.

ya, I've never seen them in stores here, and part of online ordering here in Canada can involve a $12 item having a X dollar shipping fee, plus maybe a surprise X dollar cross border fee, part of why I've never actually ordered one online. Kinda hoping I can find some here in Canada or at least an online Canadian purchase.

my son once ordered a gag t-shirt for a friends bday, $20 shirt ended up costing over $40 of shipping and cross border fees.....

Depends on your local bike shops - I've seen them for sale in some. The FiberFix spokes (and assorted other bike repair items) are sold from a vending machine outside a Chevron gas station near me - they also have a bike repair stand and assorted tools.

I've used them several times, once put over 500 miles on one before replacing it, didn't seem to cause problems with other spokes, can be re-used. I carry two at all times, ordered thru Amazon.

Curious here: is this company the same as this one? Because I would keep a roll of FiberFix repair wrap in my repair kit on a long trip as well. That stuff is strong, fast and effective. If my frame broke clean through I'd trust a strip of FiberFix to get me to the nearest bike shop or hotel. It's an amazing product.

-V

Lots of tourists pass thru here every summer.. the 1 fiberfix spoke thing sat there for Years when it finally sold it was Not replaced in stock.

Carried one everywhere I went for about a decade ... used it exactly 0 times.

I couldn't even tell you where it is now.

I've been carrying one for about 6 years now. Haven't broken a spoke in that time. I build my own wheels and check the tension before tours.

Hmmmmm ... so this spoke emergency repair kit currently costs around $12. The fix concept looks simple and effective. I am a handyman do-it-yourselfer and could make something similar, however, the Kevlar cord appears to be the secret or key element. One might spend time sourcing a supplier of the kevlar cord and then it may cost additional with buying more cord than needed. Here is a do-it-yourself temporary spoke fix using fishing line ....

Emergency Bicycle Spoke Repair Kit : Tools and Supplies


This spoke repair kit similar to the FiberFix sold in the UK ....

EMERGENCY SPOKE

Sourcing may be easier than you think. Sailboats use all types of fancy ropes these days all under different trade names with slight property differences, but all strong and low/no stretch. Ropes made from materials such: Kevlar,Twaron, Technora, Spectra, Dyneema and Vectran are the most common. All are sold be the foot at your local sailing supply store.

...or you can just let the local bike shop make a couple of bucks so they are around when you need them.