Putting a Spoke in it

[Rod Tibbs]

Thought I would try a new thread. Seems needed somehow!

My Mistral has now been off the road for a total of around six weeks and the latest delay, according to the Electric Transport Shop, is in getting suitable replacement spokes. Apparently Synergie, having originally poo pooed the idea that the motor might be faulty, have now come round to thinking that is where the trouble lies.

So they kindly sent a replacement motor - that is all. No wheel, no tyre, no spokes just a motor.

According to ETS new spokes must be fitted when the motor is transferred into the original wheel. I asked why not use the spokes that came out and there was a great deal of tut tutting supported harmoniously by sharp intakes of breath.

They did not consider it a good idea they said. So I am apparently still waiting for suitable new spokes to arrive.

Two questions really: is it generally considered essential to build with new spokes? And if so how difficult is it to get hold of the obviously non standard spokes that a wheel with a motorised hub needs?

Many thanks for any observations.

Rod

 

[Vikki]

Hi, Rod.

I rebuilt my wheel with existing spokes. One was already broken and a couple I couldn't undo but the bike came with half a dozen spares. I've not had a problem with them so far and they were changed 300+ miles ago.

Mind you, at the time I had no idea it was a possible no-no. Have I just been lucky?

Best regards.


Vikki.

 

[flecc]

It's generally good practice to use new Rod, the old ones may have suffered damage at the hub end and the threads also have been compromised in their first use. For example, the different stresses in different positions will not match the new positions that the spokes will end up in. I have rebuilt with old spokes, but it's different for an individual who knows the spoke and wheel history, the trade preferring to play safe since the cost difference is small.

Short spokes are available, SJS being a source of British spokes that I've used on ebike hub motors:

Spokes at St Johns Cycles
.

 

[Rod Tibbs]

Many thanks for the advice Flecc. I will check with ETS and see how they are making out with sourcing spokes. Maybe I will refer them to the site you mention if they really are having trouble getting them.

Rod

 

[The Maestro]

I've seen some spoke cutting and threading tools and I'm sure most bike shops have them from the conversations I've had with them. I would be suspicious if an electric bike dealer that also does servicing couldn't lay their hands on or otherwise fabricate replacement spokes within a few days.

 

[Mussels]

I've seen some spoke cutting and threading tools and I'm sure most bike shops have them from the conversations I've had with them. I would be suspicious if an electric bike dealer that also does servicing couldn't lay their hands on or otherwise fabricate replacement spokes within a few days.

Spokes need special tools to press (or roll) the thread rather than cutting them as cutting makes them weak, this equipment is not so common. They are also weakened by fitting so they shouldn't be reused. ETS know this so won't fit bad spokes, they also have a relationship with SJS so I suspect the delay is probably to do with Synergie.

 

[Orraman]

The Maestro,

Reading "spoke cutting and threading tools" in your post got me looking for such a tool. I must admit that for a number of years my vintage Cyclo spoke rolling machine has been rolling spokes for clevis push rods for radio controlled models.

The machines you mention are not cheap, so for interest, these links.

Dave

$3200
Spoke Machine

$2400
Morizumi Spoke Machine - eBay (item 280220425010 end time Feb-16-09 09:47:31 PST)