12 gauge spokes "where to buy"

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Creative Engineering

Creative Engineering

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Sep 20, 2008
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Hey guys,

I need some 11 or 12 gauge spokes and nipples for my project bike.

Do any of you have a source?

Husky has them in a few lengths. I really don't want to buy long spokes and cut/rethread the ends.

The threads on spokes are rolled, not cut...and there is a difference!

Any help would be appreciated.

Jim
 
bairdco

bairdco

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Aug 18, 2009
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also, another good place to look is at an old schwinn bike store, someplace that's been around awhile. all the old scrambler bmx bikes had 'em, and so did most of their cruisers, so they often have a decent amount of sizes.

since they're rarely used anymore, they usually have some gathering dust in the back.

but be careful, some place i found had tons of them, and since they were "vintage," the guy wanted to charge me 3 bucks a spoke, and a dollar a nipple.

multiply that by 72, think i shoulda bought them?...
 
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CaliRebel

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I've been looking around for spokes and I'm wondering how I should measure my spokes. Because a bad measurement seems like a pain to cope with. Is there a standard I can most likely expect? From what I've seen online probably not.

Do you have to take the nipple off to measure tip to hook? I guess I could probably use the practice either way.
 
bairdco

bairdco

a guy who makes cool bikes
Aug 18, 2009
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living the dream in southern california
the only way to measure a spoke, and the worldwide standard is from the tip of the threads to the inside of the bend.

basically, if you hooked the spoke onto the end of a ruler, you'd measure to the end of the threads.

and you should take the nipple off if you wanna be exact.

also, it's better to be a little bit too long than too short.

if the spoke sticks out of the nipple, you can just grind the extra threads off. it (usually)
won't mess up the threads if you ever need to remove it or true it again.

if the spoke's too short, but still threads into the nipple, the head of the nipple can break off. it's the weakest point and the most common place for spoke breakage.
 
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recumbentbill

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Jul 5, 2009
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millington tn
CaliRebel said:
I've been looking around for spokes and I'm wondering how I should measure my spokes. Because a bad measurement seems like a pain to cope with. Is there a standard I can most likely expect? From what I've seen online probably not.

Do you have to take the nipple off to measure tip to hook? I guess I could probably use the practice either way.
Click to expand...
Online spoke length calculator

Spoke Length Calculator
 
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saulsvilleb

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Sep 2, 2009
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J&B importers doesn't list them in their catalogue but they build 12g wheels so they would probably sell you some.They are a wholesale bicycle parts store, but since you are a buisness you can get an account and get parts a lot cheaper.Their number for main office in Miami is 800-666-5000
 
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CaliRebel

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Apr 4, 2011
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Not to sound like a cheap ass, but do both the wheel need 12 gauge spokes or can the front wheel use standard spokes?

I would default to doing both wheels, but I don't immediately see what would be remarkable helpful about doing so. I guess speed bumps at speed or pot holes could be a problem at higher speeds. I can't really speculate though.
 
Ernst

Ernst

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May 28, 2011
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Well well well.. I bought this wheel and guess what? I have a broken spoke.
26" CB-110 Wheel and sprocket adapter. (Pick your Sprocket)

I guess I need a beefier spoke.

So far buying 261 MM which this spoke seems to be is not as easy as ordering a few.

I understand at this time that J&B sells them through dealers and there is a spoke I am excited about from a company that seems to know spokes.

Sapim Race spokes and nipples

These have a thicker bend so they go to the top of my list for replacement spokes.

I am open to any input on spokes. Can an 11 gauge spoke fit? I see that we can get 8,9,10,11 and 12 gauge spokes.
 
happycheapskate

happycheapskate

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Nov 26, 2009
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Thanks! I never would have thought to try Dans. Their stuff is sometimes high, bc. they sell premium BMX stuff. They have spokes listed at 1 spoke + one nipple, for 35ct. each. I busted six or seven spokes, but my rim looks all right. Will check it out in daylight, and if it's still good, will just buy the spokes and re-do the wheel.

ocscully said:
Jim,

You might try Dans Comp SAPIM STAINLESS 12G SPOKE at DANSCOMP I'm not sure what lengths they have available. But a phone call to them should get you an answer

ocscully
Click to expand...
 
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KenX

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Apr 20, 2013
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Just thinking I don't know how to measure one precisely. I think I would opt to send them one of my spokes if I needed replacements and let the pros do the measuring. I'm just guessing there's someone out there willing to do this for the customer.
 
happycheapskate

happycheapskate

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Nov 26, 2009
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Rockwall TX
I found this listing, but it's more than I need.

72 spokes, 12g steel ,

37 + 11 dollars for economy shipping from China/Taiwan,
80-300mm length, no nipples.

The page says they will sell less than 72, and will sell with nipples, if you contact the seller with your purchase needs.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Newson-Spor...Parts_Accessories&hash=item27d6b3f244&vxp=mtr

Seller :
laloma123 (2313 Red star icon for feedback score in between 1,000 to 4,999)
99.8% Positive feedback

Newson Sportec 12G (2.6mm) Spoke For All Kinds Of Motorcycle/Motor/Bicycke (their spelling error included)
 
happycheapskate

happycheapskate

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Nov 26, 2009
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Rockwall TX
KenX said:
Just thinking I don't know how to measure one precisely. I think I would opt to send them one of my spokes if I needed replacements and let the pros do the measuring. I'm just guessing there's someone out there willing to do this for the customer.
Click to expand...
You can get your measurement easily enough. Find a quality ruler of 12" length, and a 12" hacksaw blade (or longer). Put the spoke through the saw blade mounting hole, and pull tight. Hold while making a sharpie mark under the end of the spoke (where threads are).
Remove spoke and measure from the bottom of the mounting hole to the top of your sharpie mark. Spokes come in even sizes, unless you custom order rolled spokes.

On front wheels, all spokes are usually equal. Usually! On disc wheels or wheels with cantilever hubs (like Lefty shock hubs) or tadpoke trike front wheels, could be different. I've even seen a few bikes that used rear 1 speed wheels as front wheels, so the rider could have an alternate freewheel size handy just by swapping the wheels on the bike.

On rear wheels, most coaster brake and BMX wheels will have all equal spokes, but may not be, especially with 24" or bigger freewheel hubs.

Make sure you keep your spokes separated for each side. It's a real PITA to have to find mismatched spokes when tightening up a wheel.

Building wheels is interesting. Better than TV. Good luck.
 
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happycheapskate

happycheapskate

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Nov 26, 2009
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Rockwall TX
I tried Danscomp, but they didn't have 262mm in 12g. No big deal.

I ordered from Holmes. $1 each with nipples, and $7 shipping. You have to use Paypal though, even with a card. Yuck.

Thanks for the info! I can fix my wheel for $15 instead of buying a new wheel (costs so much for gas and markup at LBS).


turbobuick1 said:
http://holmeshobbies.com/Sapim-Stainless-Custom-Spokes.html

I've bought multiple sets from Holmes Hobbies. TOP quality, stainless, available in black if need be, and he ships FAST.
Click to expand...
 
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