[CR] Reusing spokes: one reason not to

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2004)

Date: Thu, 8 Jul 2010 09:27:27 -0400
From: "Michael Shiffer" <dennisflange@gmail.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR] Reusing spokes: one reason not to


I don't recall in the recent discussion of reusing spokes whether anyone pointed out that there is often a flat spot worn on the spoke where it crosses another one. This is especially noticeable on laced wheels which have been in use for some time. Although I haven't seen a spoke fail here, I would not reuse any spoke with a notch or flat spot on the shaft. I was reminded of this last night: while working on my wife's bike, I checked the spoke tension on her well-traveled rear wheel and noticed how comfortable the spokes are with each other where they laced. They popped in and out of place with an audible click.

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Michael Shiffer
EuroMeccanica, Inc.
114 Pearl Street
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
(914) 668-1300
euromeccanicany.com