I Keep Breaking Rear Wheel Spokes

ShaggyRS6
ShaggyRS6 Posts: 247
edited August 2011 in Road beginners
I'm sure I know the answer, but just wanted conformation. I am assuming its cos I am a fat Git!!!!


I got back into cycling after 2 years out. I went to 17.4 Stone. I am under 17 now as a result of the excercise and as a result of that I have been breaking spokes as I am able to push harder.

Does that make sense? or could it be a faulty wheel? I am using the standard wheels that comes with the Scott CR1 Comp which are Alex Race 28 Aero Profile, 20 Front / 24 Rear
11 Scott CR1 Comp

Comments

  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Those are lowish spoke count wheels, so once you break one spoke, it puts the rest under greater stress making subsequent breakages more likely. When a spoke is replaced the wheel should be retensioned properly all round.

    I doubt your pushing harder has anything to do with it otherwise Mark Cavendish would be ripping spokes out of his back wheel all the time.

    Maybe some handbuilt wheels with more spokes??
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Yes, relatively low spoke count rear wheel and it wouldn't take much variation in spoke tension to excessively stress a spoke and cause the whole wheel to go out of whack. If you are only requesting your LBS to replace and retrue for one spoke rather than tension balance your whole wheel, then you'll be continually chasing your tail. It may be worth looking at something a bit more robust from a reputable builder rather than a mass-built wheel.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • ShaggyRS6
    ShaggyRS6 Posts: 247
    The guys at the LBS are going to change it once more then look to get the wheel replaced under warranty.

    it is getting tensioned and true'd up correctly.
    11 Scott CR1 Comp
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    If you do get a warranty replacement ask them to check the spoke tension before they fit it!
  • geoff_ss
    geoff_ss Posts: 1,201
    24 spokes is quite a low count for a rear wheel. Personally, I'd go for a hand built 36 spoke wheel for reliabilty and really, reliabilty is a prime consideration for a bike. 32 would be a minimum IMO.
    Old cyclists never die; they just fit smaller chainrings ... and pedal faster
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    A lot of the wheels fitted to base level bikes e.g. Alex rims and no-name hubs often have low and uneven spoke tension. Given your relative weight, higher and even spoke tension is more critical.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • ShaggyRS6
    ShaggyRS6 Posts: 247
    Thanks for all the advice chaps. Very informattive and helpfull. Thanks
    11 Scott CR1 Comp

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