Spoke Protector Information

[GeorgePat]

Hello,
The plastic spoke protector disc broke from my son's Orbea 24" wheel mountain bike.
For some reason I removed it by pulling it off.
I would like to fit a protector back.
It uses an mf-tz31 shimano cassette, 24"/36 spoke wheels.

Would you be able to tell me which tools I need to remove the cassette and possibly a compatible spoke protector?

Thanks
George

[Brucey]

its not a cassette it is a screw on freewheel you have. 'MF' stands for multiple freewheel.

You need a shimano freewheel remover (which is not the same thing as a cassette removing tool) and a big spanner/bench vice to work it with. No chain whip required.

Spoke protectors are typically metal (and are trapped behind the freewheel) or have a metal centre and a plastic edge, or are all-plastic and clip to the spokes. The latter type comes in two main flavours; one to clip to 36 spoke wheels and another to clip to 32 spoke wheels. There are in addition to this loads of further minor variants. in addition to everything else you need to worry about the size of your sprockets; some spoke protectors won't do any protecting if the large sprocket is larger than (say) 28T.

No idea where to buy one but I'll have a look. [edit plenty out there costing from ~£2 upwards; I quite like the one below because it has a metal centre.]

e.g. https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/gear-spares/suntour-push-on-fixing-clear-plastic-spoke-protector-max-28t/

cheers

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
Ebay.
Freewheel ones have just a centre hole with flexible fingers, not made for spoke specific, at least the ones I have seen and have £3 or there abouts.

Something like this, check what diameter you want.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bike-Bicycle ... SwDElb2u60

[rjb]

Broken spoke protectors can be a sign that the rear mech requires adjusting. If it is moving the chain too close to the spokes when engaging the largest sprocket the chain may rub against the protector leading to the damage you have seen. Check the adjustment before your next ride.

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
They also perish in the sun real quick, and fall off in bits if you just touch them.

[tim-b]

Hi
If everything is adjusted properly then he won't ever need one, and they're difficult to clean
If any bits are left then you can reach in with scissors and cut them out
Regards
tim-b

[Brucey]

Hi,
They also perish in the sun real quick, and fall off in bits if you just touch them.

I agree they soon turn to brittle nonsense.

I do however think they serve a purpose; on bikes with cheap derailleurs they can help prevent catastrophic damage. Cheap derailleurs simply don't stay in adjustment well enough, and soon are at danger of going in the spokes.

cheers

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
I was off road when I had my first and only wrap around, I did have a spoke protector and it saved the spokes.
And yes the mech was probably cheap, but you never know when, and I am happy looking a bit naff

[Brucey]

49p....

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/WSCSPSF/clear-spoke-protector,-spoke-fit

with clips that are wide enough and well spaced enough that it will fit onto different spoke patterns (well that is the idea anyway)

This picture show several different types



including (top right) three-lugged spoke fit (ideal for 36 spoke wheels) and four-lugged spoke fit (ideal for 32 spoke wheels)

cheers

[Sweep]

At that price I can't think of a reason not to have one on any sort of utility/tourer type bike.

On my watchlist for next time I put in a PlanetX order.

I have trashed spokes from a (quality) rear mech going into them.

Have lead at least one ride where a rider trashed their spokes.

My Ridgeback Expedition (a quality bike) came with one fitted and I was initially surprised.

But why not?

I can't see any downsides.

Only up.

[gaz]

You need a shimano freewheel remover (which is not the same thing as a cassette removing tool) and a big spanner/bench vice to work it with. No chain whip required.

Freewheel remover (insert fully)

+ Big spanner, should move it.

If it doesn't there's always + table leg .

[Brucey]

FWIW you ought to be able to fit a spoke protector disc onto a 135mm OLN hub with a 9s cassette on it. However on a 130mm OLN hub with a 10s or 11s cassette on it, I think the RD will probably hit the disc in normal operation; there is usually hardly any clearance.

cheers

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
Yes 135 oln with 8S OK.
But with small bottom speed cassette cogs the chain can hit the disc because the disc is normally made with a step.
So on 23t on 135 8S I think its will touch just, the chain that is.
24t on my 126 oln six speed also just scrapes.
19t on the later no chance, on me turbo, I only use 5th & 6th so no matter.

[GeorgePat]

Thanks everyone for their comments.

It was good idea to post here before I do anything, I was going to buy a chain whip which was not needed.

Job done, success!

Thanks again
George