As the title suggests I have broke a spoke, and damaged 3 more, on my rear XT wheel went to take it out last night and non of my spoke keys fit the lovely red anodised nipples. This got me thinking, I guess that there is a specific tool to remove them like most shimano stuff so are the spokes funny as well.

I think that I will try and fix this my self so any tips or past experience with XT wheels would be invaluable

What should have been a quick clean has turned into me being grumpy and not riding tonight bum nuts

Thanks Sam

I have XT 775/778 wheels and I've had spokes on order for a months so I have the ready if one brakes. I've had bad experience with Shimano factory wheels before – waiting several month for a road wheel spoke so I thought I'd get some spares in advance.

The special spoke key came with my bike but you can buy spares from the same place you get the spokes from. I order from here http://www.sbrsports.com/90-419463 but I'm still waiting for them to be in stock.

Which model wheel do you have Sam?

775 the less tough ones 🙄

The spokes for those are currently available as is the little tool to hold the nipple.

Part numbers are –

4D7 9802 drive side
4D7 9803 non drive
4DA 0900 tool

Ok now I know what to get any body any Idea where to get shimano spokes the tool seam easy

ASk your LBS to order the bits in. They are post free so they can have them next day without making up a larger order.

I'm not 100% sure, but for XTR wheels there's a small nut that goes on the hub end of the spoke. The replacement spokes do not come with a nut, so if you can save the ones off your damaged spokes I would.

I waited 3 months for my spokes, and then they came with no nut!!! AAAARrrrggghhhh. I even went back to the forest in the hope of finding the half spoke with the nut on.

Good Luck!!!!