Wheel builders... I have a question for you

Triathlon Forum
1

I Need to replace a few spokes of a HED Stinger 60.

How would you place an order for the spokes needed to replace the ones for this particular wheel?

How can I find out the nipple type/ spoke length/spoke neck type of these particular spokes?

Thanks beforehand for your expert help.

Sergio

2

If this is a stock wheel, your LBS should be able to call Hed and get the OE spokes. If not, there are many “length calculators” that take the flange height and the rim depth to give you the proper spoke length for the replacements. Make certain that who ever replaces the spokes brings the wheel all the way down (all spokes lax) and installs the new spokes on a lax wheel. Then bring all of the spokes back up to proper tension and properly prestress and unwind the wheel.

3

It is a stock wheel Chip with at least four spokes damaged.

No LBS here in Mexico able to call HED I guess, but I can call them. I was just wondering if these could be bought readily in some other place. I have a person down here that it is a pretty good wheel builder but he did tell me to secure the spokes for him.

If you think the best option is to go throgh HED, I will call Andy. He has always been very helpful.

Thanks,

Sergio

4

Give Rich at Wheelbuilder.com a call. He’ll be able to tell you the size and get the spokes out to you quickly. Or send him the wheel and he’ll fix it up for you.

5

I’d call HED and deal with them directly. You are sure to get the right spokes whereas someone else may offer you “something close” as the originals. In my experience, HED’s customer service has been exceptional; courteous, helpful, and fast.

6

I have built a few wheels, bet I can help you.
Sergio, front or back wheel? 50,60,90?
fronts have Ti spokes, you’ll have to get them here.
rears are 2.0mm bladed, you might be able to pick them up somewhere closer. You’ll need to re-use the nipples or get the correct hex headed ones.
rear lengths: (drive side/kickstand side)
50 -262/254
60 - 249/240
90 - 221/211

7

2nd on wheelbuilder.com They helped me with a PT/Zipp build. Their prices on spokes and nipples were low.

8

I have built a few wheels, bet I can help you.
Sergio, front or back wheel? 50,60,90?
fronts have Ti spokes, you’ll have to get them here.
rears are 2.0mm bladed, you might be able to pick them up somewhere closer. You’ll need to re-use the nipples or get the correct hex headed ones.
rear lengths: (drive side/kickstand side)
50 -262/254
60 - 249/240
90 - 221/211

It is the rear wheel Andy.

Sergio broke away with another rider, racing for the first time in a criterium against grown ups and the guy behind him was too busy looking at his bottom bracket while trying to hang like a monkey to Sergio’s rear wheel. This rider’s front wheel got stuck in Sergio’s rear derailleur. It was a mess and a bad way to end an important race. I am just glad he did not loose control of the bike when the rear wheel locked.

I will send you a message. This will be a good opportunity for you to send me that bearing press we have been talking about for so long (and some extra spokes for the F60, R60 and R90 Stingers, just in case) .

Thanks a lot for your expert advise.

Sergio