Why do I read so much about spokes breaking?

[smee]

Certainly can't be, in many ways our silliest word. Here's just two of the OED definitions of cheap:

Offering good value.

Of low value.

Clearly a word with bipolar disorder!

I agree, and I see that as also problem with the word value. In the second definition, I would think they mean low cost. Cost does not mean the same as value.

 

[flecc]

In the second definition, I would think they mean low cost.

I don't think so, the OED definitions of value are all positive, so they do intend low value to be the opposite to good value. They are of course just reporting, highlighting that historically cheap means different things to different people in differing circumstances. Cheap advantageous or cheap and nasty.

 

[smee]

OK, so when I buy the spoke key, how do I judge how tight to make any spoke that I find to be loose?

 

[trex]

when you find a loosened spoke, use the spoke key to check how tight other neighbouring are done up by trying to tighten them just a fraction. You don't want to lose the trueness of your wheel, so keep an eye on the rim while doing this.
Tighten up the loosened spoke to same degree then check the rim again. You shouldn't have to true your wheel again, but sometime, you need to do up slightly 3 or 4 neighbouring spokes (eg after hitting a pothole).

 

[smee]

Got it, thanks.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Most electric bikes with hub-motors use 13g spokes. Because of their relative thickness, they don't stretch much, so they tighten very quickly. There's a clear difference between tight and loose, which you can feel when you turn the key. It suddenly becomes difficult to turn. It's difficult to say in words, but as soon as you attempt to tighten some, you will know how much to tighten them.

 

[smee]

Good to know, thanks

 

[jackhandy]

You don't have to hit anything - pothole, kerb or whatever, to buckle a wheel.
I was getting my bike out of the van, overbalanced - bike one way, me t'other & No idea why, but the front wheel went out of true.
First time I've had to use a spoke key & had it running sweet in no time.