Getting broken spokes fixed

[frank9755]

I broke a spoke on my Wisper last week and have been surprised how hard it is proving to get it fixed.

I understand they are 13 gauge spokes so not particularly thick, but, because of the motor, they are not a standard length. Two bike shops I've tried so far have said they are not able to cut such thick spokes.

The first shop I tried knows Wisper from having considered selling their bikes in the past so contacted them to see if they could supply him with a replacement spoke but, rather surprisingly, Wisper does not hold spare spokes in the UK. They told him that they only sell them to bike shops by the box, at £45 (+ delivery + VAT), and with delay as they need to come over from China. This would have made it an extremely expensive and slow repair!

I have a more promising-sounding third shop lined up to try at the weekend so may have success there. However, given that electric bikes do suffer from the odd broken spoke, I wondered how others had fared and if there were any tips on where to go?

Frank

 

[flecc]

No problem Frank, St Johns Cycles hold a huge range of spokes in all lengths and both gauges.

If you don't find the length you want in the 13 gauge on the link below, don't worry, just go to the British made 14 gauge at the foot and use those, available in all shorter lengths, and can be bought in any quantity from one upwards.

They are perfectly strong enough, and I've rebuilt e-bike wheels as well as replaced odd spokes with these. It's a myth that thinner spokes are necessarily weaker, and it's been shown experimentally that waisted spokes, those with a much thinner centre section, are just as strong in practice as normal ones.

SJS Spokes
.

 

[fishingpaul]

A lot of electric bike parts are non standard,spokes would be available for all wheel sizes,but if you add an electric motor, it is obviously a different size (non standard),and will cost more.also chain sizes are longer for electric bikes and usually need two chains adding together,anything a little unusual is more expensive to maintain unfortunately.

 

[Ian]

Like Flecc I have used the 14g British made spokes from SJS cycles to rebuild a motor wheel that was originally fitted with 13g spokes, and have had no problems. I have used SJS cycles on a number of occasions and found their service to be excellent.

 

[frank9755]

Thanks guys. I was sure it couldn't be as hard as my first bike shop was making out. I'm sure that, armed with this knowledge, I can get it done easily!

I'm a regular SJS customer too so happy to go to them. Along with Spa Cycles in Harrogate, they seem to have everything I ever need.

Frank

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Spokes

Of course you are absolutely correct, we will get spare spoke in with the next container, in the mean time thanks for the info on SJS.

Best regards David

 

[markr]

Hi
I need to replace a couple of spokes on the rear wheel of my Wisper 905e and was wondering what recommendations people had for type and length of spoke - never having had to do this before.
Also, if it happens again, would it be possible to rebuild the motor into another wheel that I can source myself or is there something special about electric bike wheels?
Thanks for your help,
Mark.

 

[Ian]

Hi Mark,

The required length can be determined by measuring an existing spoke from the centre of it's hub hole to the point at which it enters the nipple and adding 10mm to the result. The gauge of the existing spokes will most probably be 13G however the much more easily available 14G are a perfectly satisfactory replacement. They will need a new 2mm nipple though.

It would be worth contacting Wisper to see if they now have spares available otherwise 14G spokes & 2mm nipples are available by mail order from SJS cycles.

Electric bike wheels are normal bike wheels except for the motorised hub and there is no problem rebuilding them in the normal way. The motor does put additional strain on the spokes but as long as the tension is correct this is not a problem, front disc brakes actually put a far greater strain on their spokes.

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Hi
I need to replace a couple of spokes on the rear wheel of my Wisper 905e and was wondering what recommendations people had for type and length of spoke - never having had to do this before.
Also, if it happens again, would it be possible to rebuild the motor into another wheel that I can source myself or is there something special about electric bike wheels?
Thanks for your help,
Mark.

Hi Mark, we have a stock of new spokes coming in our April container, in the mean time I would do as we do now and take Frank and Ian's advice and get them from SJS they are fast, efficient and not expensive. Are the spokes on your 905e stainless steel?

Best regards David

 

[markr]

Not sure if they are stainless steel or not - is there an easy way to tell? Also, what length of spoke should I buy from SJS?
Thanks,
Mark.

 

[frank9755]

Mark - see Ian's post just above!