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Quick question. I have XT hubs and Mavic rims. I assume I can use standard spokes as having done a bit of googling it appears XT wheel sets use some exotic and hard to source spokes.
Is it the rim that dictates the spoke?
"standard" hubs and rims...yes.
Spoke length depends on rim, no of spokes, lacing pattern. Some hub flanges are different enough to the norm to have an effect, but not yours.
Thanks. I have snapped one – its not a full wheel build.
Everything else looks fine so I am hoping that I can just order some spokes and fix the one snapped one without to much hassle. I appreciate there are different lengths so I guess I just measure the one I snapped and maybe get some spares while I’m at it.
I have never messed with a wheel before - am I going to die?
lbs would be the best bet
lbs - you need to take the cassette off if it's the rear for starters.
It is essentially often a case of just tightening the spoke up, but there may be other issues causing the break, which an lbs may spot.
SJS Cycles sell spokes in small quantities, and the late great Sheldon Brown has a guide on wheel building and repairs (and indeed other pages on just about every other cycling related topic)on his website.
Thanks – the LBS it is then.
FYI - Just something to look out for.
Have you ever derailed your chain over the top of your biggest sprocket?
Many years ago I had repeated breakages on a back wheel. It was about the 4th replacement before the wheel builder noticed that a whole group of spokes behind the cassette were gouged. This happens if you over shift and is especially bad if the chain really jams down between cassette and spokes. Have a look, if they look a bit mangled it might be worth LBS replacing the whole group rather than doing the one at a time shuffle.
Pretty sure the limiter is set bang on for the rear mech to stop that happening but it’s a good point and I will ask them to check them all out while its in.
Update on this – the wheel has been in the LBS who have advised the failure is due to alloy nipples and there propensity to fail over time – my wheels are c4 years old. I wasn’t aware I had alloy nipples and the magnitude of how shit they are (discovered following google research). The LBS suggested a full rebuild with brass nipples but I thought that was a bit over the top at the time, pre consulting google.
So my wheel set has dodgy nipples. As I am likely to break more of these I think I should try and sort these out as they go.
What do I need to get in for the spares box / my bag. Brass nipples obviously, spoke tool ? spokes and how do you measure them to get the right one anyone know the lengths required on a XT hub / Mavic 717 combo? All help appreciated. 🙂
As I am likely to break more of these I think I should try and sort these out as they go.
Feasible - they may all be seized right now though!
Yup new nipples and spoke key. 262/264 for 32H I think.
You know, building a wheel is not that difficult. Just needs a methodical approach. 😉
Just replace each spoke nipple, one at a time. Pluck another one on the same side & match the new nipple to that. Spot of oil on the thread, & nipple seat before putting the new nipple in. Might need a tweak overall afterwards. Me...I'd rebuild from scratch with new spokes.