OK to reuse spokes on rebuild?

[jnbrown]

I have to rebuild my rear wheel due to a hub failure.
I was going take the opportunity to replace the rim and spokes but decided I can't afford it right now. Is it ok reuse the spokes (CX-Rays) as long as I keep them in the same positions? I am afraid that the stress of rebuilding the wheel might cause the spokes to break prematurely.

[Mike T.]

You can re-use spokes if, of course, the hub dimensions are the same as the old one. Oh sure if the spokes have had a hard life (long use, trauma from the chain etc) then maybe it's time to retire them. I've re-used spokes many times and have never had an issue with that.

The only place that "keep them in the same positions" will matter is on a wheel with different lengths on each side.

[Kerry Irons]

I have to rebuild my rear wheel due to a hub failure.
I was going take the opportunity to replace the rim and spokes but decided I can't afford it right now. Is it ok reuse the spokes (CX-Rays) as long as I keep them in the same positions? I am afraid that the stress of rebuilding the wheel might cause the spokes to break prematurely.

Like Mike T. I have reused spokes repeatedly. My current back wheel is on it's 3rd rim at 83,000 miles with the same spokes (DT Competition 15/16 gauge, 32 spoke 3X) and I weigh 180 lbs.

[refund!?]

Sapim's CX-Ray spokes are very strong so definitely reuse them. You might consider using new nipples. Also be sure and check the drive side outer spokes for wear if you've dropped your chain off the big cog here and there, and back up the spokes with the correct tool to ensure the spokes don't wind up. Good luck.

[rruff]

What are the specs on the wheel, how many miles, how have they been ridden, and have you had any spoke issues so far?

Spokes can last a very long time if the wheel isn't over-stressed.

[AndrwSwitch]

Since nobody's been explicit -

Take apart what's left of your wheel nicely. Take the tension in the spokes down a little at a time until they're loose.

If you're not doing 1:1 replacement of your rear hub, the success or failure of this project is all about similar specs for the new hub. You can get away with a little more in terms of mismatched center-to-flange and a lot less in terms of changing the radius of the flanges.

I've reused nipples. In retrospect, that was a false economy. Not sure if they were brass or alloy, though.