At Bournemouth Cycleworks we can now offer custom cut spokes, while you wait! Take a look at our sister site (www.customcutspokes.co.uk) to order online, or contact us to order.
We also offer spokes to other bikes shops and mechanics, see our page on trade accounts for more information.
Spokes you say?
The key to any wheel build. There’s no denying that a decent and properly measured and cut set of spokes adds that something special new wheel set or revitalise an existing setup.
Straight pull, J bend, 13 gauge, aero… The list is endless when it comes to choosing what spokes you want for your wheels, then start adding in the different qualities of spoke manufacturers, attachment methods and lacing patterns and you can get a real headache! We are here to help though. We are master wheel builders, with a passion for all things spokey. Not sure what you need? Get in touch and we will do our best to help.
So where does it start?
The components? The build? Obviously these play massively important parts but the key to any wheel build is the spoke quality, cut and thread.
All the spokes we sell are offered in 1mm increments and are sold as singles. So if you need one or a hundred we can accommodate you.
With so many hub/rim combinations now available it can be hard to get the correct spoke length for the wheel build from stock, particularly small wheels, we can produce spokes as short as 46mm in either 1.8mm or 2mm diameters. Not sure how long need? Then have a look at our spoke length calculators.
What type of spoke to do I need? This might help, if after reading this you are none the wiser, then get in touch!
Plain Gauge Spokes
Stainless Steel Plain Gauge Spokes such as the Sapim Leader or DT Swiss Champion are a great option for smaller wheels and E-Bikes. For most other wheels butted spokes will increase the fatigue life of a well built wheel.
Silver spokes can be used if preferred but black is recommended as it provides an extra layer of resistance against corrosion. This is due to the fact that the black spokes we provide are chemically blacked, this also means they are more resistant to scratching, unlike painted spokes.
Butted Spokes
Most experienced wheelbuilders will choose to use butted spokes. The reason for this is the thinner section in the middle of the spoke will save weight as well as increasing the fatigue life of the spokes when compared to plain gauge. Here the number and type of spokes in each wheel will mostly be guided by rider weight and intended use: with lightweight climbers able to get away with a 20:24 spoke count front and rear whilst touring cyclists or heavier riders at 100kg+ will want to run 32-36 spokes per wheel, tandems and especially burly builds can go as high as 48.
We offer pretty much everything Sapim and DT Swiss make, but our best sellers are the Sapim Race and the DT Swiss Competition.
Likewise Sapim offer butted spokes in several variations: the ‘Strong’ is a single butted spoke with a 2.3mm elbow and 2.0mm the rest of the way. The D-Light, Race and Laser spokes are high performance options with butted sections varying between 1.5mm-1.8mm.
Bladed Spokes
The Legendary Sapim CX-Ray.
If you’re buying a pair of performance oriented wheels then this should be your go to spoke. Bladed spokes don’t exist purely for aerodynamic advantages (of which they certainly have), they are also the lightest available whilst also having an insanely high shear strength and a fatigue life numbering in the millions of revolutions: our skilled builders will get the best out of the butted spokes above but they max out at about 800,000 revolutions. As such they are more than suitable for high end off road wheels and will shave often drop over 100g off of your hoops compared to the usual Sapim Race. Their fatigue life also means it’s the only spoke we’ll ever happily re-rim onto with a used wheel so they’re also less wasteful and represent a worthwhile investment.
Spoke Nipple information
Brass Nipples
They’re cheap, and they work: nothing wrong with them and they save you money, what more can I say?
Available in 12/14/16mm options, in Silver or Black (although the black oxidisation does rub off a little with use) alongside internal, hex drive, and ‘locking’ options for downhill use.
Great for budget builds and those looking for wheels with no worry.
Alloy Nipples
Sapim’s 7075 T6 Heat Treated Nipples are simply superb and they’re the only alloy nipple we use. After extensive long term building and riding everything claimed about them is true and you’ll save an easy 20g on a 32 spoke wheel whilst adding a bit of anodised bling.
Custom Cut Spokes
Our sister site, www.customcutspokes.co.uk, is now live and ready to take your custom spoke length order. We ship fast, and are competitively priced. If you are local, then you can order online or over the phone and collect in store. If you need just one or a hundred, then we are here to help.
Trade account applications welcome.
