Cycling UK Forum

I've just added this tiny bit of emergency equipment to my Audax kit. For anyone who doesn't know, it is a temporary replacement for a broken spoke. It is basically a Kevlar string with a bent threaded spoke end tied on one end. You install this end like a regular spoke, then the string (ideally) passes through the vacant hole on the hub and return up to the nipple to be tied off in a way that tightens when you turn the nipple. But in real life if you haven't got a cassette removing tool you may not have a free hole on the hub to use. If that is the case you are told to pass the string around the base of a spoke on the opposite side of the hub.

Has anyone tried using on of these? I may try it on an old wheel before declaring it fit for purpose. I imagine success or failure will depend on getting enough tension. If it works it is small enough to carry around on a regular basis.

I carry 3 real spokes in the saddle bag. One for the front dyno wheel, one for the rear drive side and one for the rear non-drive side. And nipples.
Quick fixes are ok, but imo if you're gonna do a job, do it properly

edit: I've yet to think of a good reason to carry the rear drive side with me as I've no chance of sorting that till I got home anyway

Vantage

yes I carry proper spokes on longer trips. The FiberFix is meant for the occasions when I want to go a bit more minimalist. And it (theoretically) allows you to straighten the rear wheel when a drive-side spoke has snapped. You leave the broken spoke in place (just tie it to another) and pass the Kevlar string around the base of a spoke on the other side of the same flange. Not pretty, but possibly enough to allow you to finish a 300km audax.

I tried one once, some years ago. It went on OK, but just as I tightened it up to the point where the wheel came back into true, the kevlar cable snapped. Totally useless. To be fair, from the pictures it looks as if the cable may have been beefed up since then.

Generally I find that for any wheel with 28 spokes or more, you can get a wheel that's true enough to finish the day's ride by tweaking with the neighbouring spokes and maybe loosening off the brake callipers slightly. So I always carry a multi-tool with a usable spoke key. If I were on a long tour, I'd probably take a couple of spare spokes the right length for my wheels. I used to keep one zip-tied to the seat stay on my old tourer; some tourers actually have braze-on fittings for this purpose.

The broken spoke on my 20-spoke RS10 rear wheel was another matter, of course, but it had straight-pull spokes so I don't think the Fiberfix would have worked anyway.

A friend of mine used one some years ago when on tour in a hilly part of Provence. Got the wheel true enough to get him and his loaded bike to the nearest bike shop where a metal spoke was purchased and fitted. I've been meaning to get one ever since. Ideal if you're not carrying a correct length spare spoke.