Condensed answer:
Bike spokes can be shortened
. The first step is to cut them to length. The second is to file the ends and re-thread them.
Can you cut spokes?
To be clear,if you are cutting spokes to size and threading them yourself,
any method of cutting that does not bend the cut end of the spoke is probably OK
. You can use a small file to remove burrs or sharp edges afterwards, and make a chamfer if needed by the thread cutter.
Does spoke length have to be exact?
In essence,
you will want to be pretty precise
. 2mm too long might just be ok, 2mm short might be too short. Be sure to measure the ERD yourself (!) and as precise as you are able to.
How do you cut spokes to length?
How do you cut bike spokes?
What thread is used on cycle spokes?
According to the Park Tool website, the typical 2mm spoke has a
2.2mmx56TPI
thread. This converts to a 2.2mmx0. 45mm metric thread pitch.
Are spokes universal?
Spoke lengths are unique to each wheel, rim, and spoke angle (cross 2, cross 3, etc) combination
. Non OEM combinations require special spokes, Buchanan Spokes is a reliable resource.
Can you mix spokes on a bicycle wheel?
Yes and no
. With wheels tension is critical. A properly tension balanced wheel will be MUCH stronger then a wheel which isn’t properly tension balanced. Spokes with different guages will tension differently when used in the same wheel resulting in a less strong wheel overall.
Are all spoke nipples the same size?
The most common spoke nipple sizes are 3.23mm, 3.30mm, and 3.45mm
. However, you might encounter other spoke nipple sizes ranging anywhere from 3.2mm to 9mm. Many spoke nipples are also square-shaped, including the most common sizes listed above. Some manufacturers use star-shaped or hex-shaped spoke nipples instead.
How do you use a spoke threader?
How do you use a Phil Wood spoke cutter?
How do you make custom length spokes?
What size is spoke thread?
| Spoke wire gauge spoke size nipple size | 14 or 15 2.0 mm (14g) or 1.8 mm (15g) 3.23 mm (0.127 in) | 14 2.0 mm 3.30 mm (0.130 in) | 14 2.0 mm 3.40 mm (0.134 in) | 13 2.3 mm 3.45 mm (0.136 in) |
|---|
How do spoke nipples work?
How are bicycle spoke nipples measured?
The common bicycle wheel uses a square-shaped nipple. The best method to determine the correct spoke wrench size is to
use a caliper and measure the nipple across the wrench flats
. It is important to know that the diameter, or so called “gauge”, of the spoke does not determine the spoke wrench size.
How do I know what spokes I need?
- The number of spoke holes in the hub and rim.
- The effective rim diameter, called the “ERD”
- Hub flange diameter at the spoke holes, also known as the Spoke Pitch Diameter.
- Left and right hub flange spacing relative to the hub center.
