Hi all I'm having a problem with replacing a spoke on dura ace front wheels. basically I can't get the spoke taut, I've screwed on the spoke nipple with first a flat headed screwdriver then with the spoke key. However even though the nipple can't seem to go any further, the new spoke is still loose in the spoke holes. This is even after I've tried holding the spoke with pliers and continuing to tighten with the spoke key. The spoke is in fact becoming twisted by doing this. Is there a step I've missed on?
Dura ace wheels new spoke fitting
- Thread starter rliu
- Start date
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RebornBumbler
Senior Member
- Location
- Barnstaple
It does sound like you've got a spoke that's too long - perhaps there are different lengths for different rims (with/without eyelets for example) ?
One simple way to check for sure is remove that new spoke, then the one opposite and measure the two.
One simple way to check for sure is remove that new spoke, then the one opposite and measure the two.
I think I have the right length as the Evans cycles website has two lengths and I got the shorter one at 283mm. I also had the longer one for my rear wheel which is 305mm.
PatrickPending
Legendary Member
- Location
- Leicester
I'd agree with RebornBumbler, there are many different spoke lengths (and types) - I'd guess Evans just has the most common two...
For instance look here
http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s156p2869
For instance look here
http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s156p2869
Last edited:
I got the official Dura Ace replacement spokes so I presumed there would only be 2 lengths available - one for front and one for rear
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shimano/7850-c24-clincher-replacement-spoke-ec047028
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shimano/7850-c24-clincher-replacement-spoke-ec047028
RebornBumbler
Senior Member
- Location
- Barnstaple
I'd imagine there would be two different lengths for the rear, and one for the front - drive side rear spokes are shorter so there's space for the cassette... 
Also Dura Ace kit has been around a long time, and there may be many variants.
The most likely reason you're having trouble is that you've got the wrong spoke.
Best bet is to take out a known good spoke (ideally opposite the broken/new one) to compare and measure.
Also Dura Ace kit has been around a long time, and there may be many variants.
The most likely reason you're having trouble is that you've got the wrong spoke.
Best bet is to take out a known good spoke (ideally opposite the broken/new one) to compare and measure.
Ooohhh. Been there before not with dura ace wheels but with my cole rollen elite wheels Evans had the spokes but luckily for me I order 2off each they had for my wheels as spares only to find that what was listed bared no relation to what I actually needed! Out of the 4 pairs I ordered for front and rear the only spokes that fitted were ones meant for the front! Flippen joke and Evans were useless in sorting it out. Go into your lbs and get them to sort out or do what I did and contact the manuf for the exact sizes!
http://www.artscyclery.com/Shimano_7850_CL_C24_Spoke_Front_283mm/descpage-SH7850FSCL.html
seems I do have the right length, only other thing I can think of is Evans mislabelled.
seems I do have the right length, only other thing I can think of is Evans mislabelled.
accountantpete
OAP
Are you using the Shimano Red nipple?
Yes indeed
Nigelnaturist
Guru
- Location
- Pontefract
Waited nearly weeks for my LBS to get a nipple, gave up in the end.
I does sound to long, as this is what happened to me using non shimano nipples in effect making the spoke longer. (though it was the right size one)
Also and this depends on the fitment on to the hub but you don`t have to replace fancy bladed spokes with the same if its hard to get a hold off. If you know the length you could go to your LBS and ask for a normal spoke ?? Sorts you out short term while you locate the correct spoke for the wheel. It was suggested to me when one of mine bust on me and getting spares was posing an issue. However I think some of these expensive wheelsets would make that impossible as they would not be J bend but locked or straight pull.
accountantpete
OAP
The easy solution when nipples bottom out is to pop a washer on the nipple.
