(Used) Spoke Question

Whenever I put something together for myself, I only use stainless spokes as they will always look fantastic.

That's just the way I do things or restore bikes. I feel if it worth doing, it is worth doing well.

Old spokes can be reused without a issue for sure. Most old bikes used zinc spokes that dulled and rusted easily.

You can even use bent spokes as the real concern is the kink at the end. If there is a lot of wear and they are worn

where they go through the hub flange, I would scrap them.

If they look good without any indication of wear, you shouldn't have any issue reusing them.

Make sure they are the correct length for the rim/hub combination you are using and you will be fine.

You can also reuse nipples as long as they are not "knuckle busted" meaning the 4 sides of the outside of the nipple are not worn from the use of the wrong size spoke key or the use of something other than a spoke key like plyers.

I always use new nipples but again, that's just me.

I would rather use new stainless spokes than original zinc spokes on a restoration as the final look is outstanding with the stainless spokes. I am a purist but some things just look better altered.

I use spoke sizes from 167mm to 375mm and never use old spokes.

There are spoke sizes every mm inbetween those sizes too.

I am just the opposite. I never use modern shiny spokes unless it can not be avoided. Luckily, I have a good supply of NOS CCM spokes. I have, and would not hesitate to use used spokes, if they are in reasonable shape. I have even gone so far as to polish old spokes using SOS pads. In some instances, there is no modern replacement for old spokes. This is the case when you want to spoke an old racing wheel 4X with 15/17 gauge double-butted spokes.

John Williamson

John I have to totally agree with you and some of the cleaning products make them look like knew again. It's just the originality with the CCM logo on each spoke head is what drives me to use them again.The quality was very good. I also don't have a problem using used spokes.it

Thanks for your replies and your elaborations on usage.  It is reassuring to hear that old spokes can be reused without concern, barring the damaged ones of course.  I really don't have a preference between zinc and stainless.  Although the newer stainless spokes (on cheap bikes anyway) seem to rust much quicker than the zinc spokes on bikes that are decades old.  It really seems to depend on the original quality. Stainless would look great against a nicley chromed rim, but cleaned and polished zinc do have a certain allure to them also.  I am sure I will be using both.

Thanks again for your comments. Very helpful,

Daryl

Spokes typically fail in fatigue, so unless there is visible damage the limiting factor is how many miles are on the spokes. In the vast majority of cases, owners do not ride their bicycles enough for this to be a concern. This is even more true with vintage single and three speeds. 

However, I am going to the dissenter on cleaning zinc plated spokes with chemicals and abrasives. Zinc is a sacrificial plating. It is supposed to oxidize, forming a protective layer that impedes further corrosion. Cleaning zinc plated spokes makes things look better, but only temporarily. Repeated cleanings will eventually remove all the zinc, resulting in exposed steel and serious corrosion issues. IMO, it's better to have the dull grey of corroded zinc plating than the red-brown rust of corroded steel.

Stainless steel spokes should not rust, unless they have been improperly alloyed. Typically, any rust on stainless steel comes from contact with free iron particles. For instance, stainless steel sinks will usually show rust after they are cleaned with steel wool.  

One caveat about reusing spokes is to label old spokes as whether they came from the inside or outside of the hub flange and reuse them in the same orientation. Spokes laced on the outside of the flange have an acute angle at the elbow, while spokes laced on the inside of the flange have an obtuse angle at the elbow. Relacing a spoke on the opposite side of the flange  from its original orientation will significantly alter the elbow angle and increase the probability of breakage.

If the bicycle is to be ridden, then these things must all be taken into account. If I am going to ride a bicycle, I always respoke the wheels and use NOS spokes. For display, polishing spokes and the spoke head angle have never been a concern. I worry about how the wheel will true up (reusing old spokes). Polished spokes have never dulled for me even after sitting on a bicycle hung on the wall on the wall for 20 years. I find that just keeping track of sizes for bundles of old spokes is enough trouble. Add to this the fact that occasionally a spoke or two has been replaced on an old wheel and is of a different length. When taking apart an old wheel, it is not unusual to break a couple of spokes and replacements will have to be found. In boxes of old spokes purchased from cycle shops, it is wise to check the length of each spoke to be used in building a wheel. Some NOS spokes have a great degree of variation in the spoke head angle. Generally, if a wheel goes together and holds good spoke tension, it will be O.K. for riding. When spoking, the angle of the outside spokes can be easily changed by pressing with the hands. Just my thoughts.

John Williamson

Thanks for the insights.  I'll need to be careful and use less abrasive methods with zinc spokes. I think I'll use a cotton cloths and elbow grease where cleaning is required.

I currently label the spokes based on the wheel size (and side if rear) they came from.  This part is usually pretty easy. I never really considered whether they were inserted from the outside or the inside of the flange.  I had thought about this factor but never acted on it.  It does add an extra degree of time and attention to the recycling used spokes process. I'll see how the first few wheels hold-up/perform without a conscious effort to replace them in the same orientation and see what happens.

I do measure each spoke prior to including it in a wheel.

Thanks again.  I really this information useful.

Daryl