I've always kept a collection of spare spokes that fit my various wheels in my tool box. Only had to replace mine twice in the last ten years, but more often saved someone else's ride!
Anyways, just took delivery of my shiny new XT wheels and the spokes are like nothing I've had before, and cost five quid each!
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Was kinda hoping they would come with spares - but obviously not 🙁 So, whats the deal - worth investing in a couple of spares, or do they never break?
Also, on previous wheels the spoke lengths have been different front/rear due to lacing, and even side to side due to dish, so I've had to carry four different lengths for each wheel set. What about these - one size fits all, or do I need four different lengths of these at a fiver each 😯
PS: Anyone know the cheapest place to buy them?
Check shimanotechdocs to see if you need different sizes, and take the relevant part no.s to your LBS who can order from Madison (and maybe offer a discount if you're a regular there).
I've broken only broke one over the course of three years, was a bit of a hassle to sort out though. These are the tech doc that should help;
Front;
Rear;
Looks as though there are two lengths that cover both front and rear. Note that the "Hub Nut" doesn't come with the spoke so if you've lost that you'll need to order one separately.
It cost me £4 for the spoke, £2.27 for the hub nut and £3.01 for postage when I had to replace one!
The tech docs detail a 24 spoke pack that might be worth investing in, though a quick google suggests they are pretty hard to find.
Hi,
I've just replaced one yesterday having broken a spoke at the beginning of oct. I couldn't find a 4dd 9804 (rear 176mm) for rockin horse sh1t. I reckon I rang every bike shop in the country. In the end it is sorted thanks to my lbs, but I would recommend getting them while you can.
Thanks for the replies guys.
So they can break, and looks like I should keep a couple of spares around, especially if they're hard to find at short notice.
Should've thought of the tech docs - duh! And they confirm there are two different sizes of spoke, oh well at least thats better than four!
Only trouble is, mine are M785 29er wheels, and it seems they're so new that Shimano haven't published tech docs for them yet (at least a Google search and a search of the Shimano site didn't come up with them) - even the printed instructions that came with them were for the 26" version!
So, do Madison accept emails direct from us customer plebs? Hopefully they'd know, or be able to find out, what length I need...