How to Measure Bicycle Spokes

Bicycle Spokes Australia
The question “how to measure bicycle spokes size correctly” is something we get asked every now and again. But it need not be confusing, in fact for most people it is quite simple.

Why Bike Brand/Model/Size etc Doesn’t Really Help

Referencing bike brand/model/size etc might seem like an obvious way to figure out what spokes you need, but it is unreliable. The world of bicycle wheel building is often considered an art and a science at the same time. Different bikes have different wheels. Even a certain model wheel might have a slightly different rim and/or hub. And even if that was consistent there’s different techniques of lacing spokes. The reality becomes obvious rather quickly; it’s impossible to know the correct length spoke required without checking the actual spoke length that is required. There are some spoke calculators available online (like this one), but as you’ll see for the average DIY bicycle mechanic it gets far too complicated really quickly. The best way is to measure an existing spoke that you wish to replace…

Spoke Length and Gauge

The below diagram gives the correct way to measure your spokes. Note the two most commonly referred to sizes are:
  • The Length of the Spoke (shown in the diagram below as “L3”), from the elbow of the spoke to the end of the spoke, and including the threaded area
  • The spoke gauge (shown below as “G”)
Other details such as the angle (“A”) and bend length (“B”) are interesting, but for most people largely can be ignored. How to Measure Bicycle Spokes

Different Spokes for Different Folks

Don’t forget, you may have up to three different length spokes on the one wheel, depending on the way it was laced. To use a really basic example as an explanation, the drive side spokes on the rear wheel will generally be shorter than the non-drive side on the same wheel. Let’s be clear: Don’t assume that one wheel uses consistently the same spoke length.

Measure, Measure, Measure

There’s a common saying in most trades along the lines of “measure twice, cut once”. That equally applies to buying bicycle spokes online: Measure everything, and get it right the first time.

Spoke Length Tolerance

With all that being said now’s the time for some slight hypocrisy… Another point worth mentioning is that as a general rule a 1-2mm tolerance in spoke length is acceptable and rarely effects the build of the wheel. This of course, goes against the grain for most cycling components whereby sometimes even 0.1mm can be the difference between a perfect fit and not fitting at all.

Where to Buy Bicycle Spokes and Nipples

Now that you know how to measure bicycle spokes, you can start looking for replacements. Mr Cycling World, your … ahem…. favourite online bike shop is a good place to start! ;)