No Nipples!

[Peter P.]

Two weeks ago, I ordered spokes from my local shop for a new wheel I was building.

I got a call the spokes arrived.

I rode my bike over their to pick up the spokes. There were no nipples!

I've been building wheels for over 40 years, and buying spokes locally for as long, nipples included. When I ordered the spokes I wasn't told nipples were extra, or asked if I needed nipples (Who replaces spokes and not nipples?). Had I been told I would have been dumbfounded but paid up anyway.

I kept my mouth shut and teeth clenched and asked for a refund.

I go home and order on-line from prowheelbuilder.com. First time customer; no clue what it's going to cost, or if nipples are included (They're not).

Shuffling sales taxes, shipping, and the added cost of nipples, I still saved eighteen bucks.

Remind me again why I should patronize my local shop?

Oh; and for the entire 10 mile ride home I kept repeating to myself, "NO NIPPLES! NO F*&%IN' NIPPLES!"

[fignon's barber]

Most often in life, nipples will cost you extra.

[dbnm]

Janet Jackson.

[Mark McM]

Nipples commonly came with spokes when there was only one kind of nipple (chrome plated brass, usually 12mm long). Back then, there weren't too many different spokes, either - 14 gauge (2.0mm) or 15 gauge (1.8mm), straight or butted.

But now, there are many different kinds of nipples: Aluminum or brass; silver, black, red, blue, green etc.; square or splined; hex head or slotted; 12mm, 14mm or 16mm; etc.

Just like how high end bikes no longer come with pedals (because the bike makers don't know what kind of pedals the customer wants to use), spokes no longer come with nipples, because the spoke vendors don't know what kind of nipples the customer will use.

So, instead of buying some nipples (which might only be 10-25 cents each, or a few bucks for a whole wheel's worth), you asked for refund for the spokes? That a little like cutting off your nose to spite your face.

[Velocipede]

I order spokes all the time and the last couple years, nipples have not been included in the boxes. They used to be. Revolutions had alloys included, regular Comp and Champ spokes, brass. Nope, not anymore.

I get it as most people build with alloys and they want some color added to the wheels. I always include nipples when people buy spokes form me. Brass anyways. Alloys, I charge a little bit for but nothing major. But for me, 100 alloys cost $33. So they do add to the cost.

[ryker]

Better that they are not bundled. That way you can select a colour and material according to your preference.

[PacNW2Ford]

Agreed, your expectations were your own fault.

[unterhausen]

Nipples are never included any more. I remember the days when they were. 40 years ago.

[Look585]

Should have asked here. I'd have sent you a bundle...

[charliedid]

Remember when smokes were .50 and matches came with? That was great.

[Louis]

Peter, I'm as retro-grouchy as can be, but I think this one's on you. As was pointed out above, these days there are just too many different types of nipples for it to make sense to included them with the spokes.

[bicycletricycle]

I forgot about spokes coming with nipples. I guess I haven't ordered a box of spokes in such a long time.

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by PacNW2Ford

Agreed, your expectations were your own fault.

yep

[peanutgallery]

No refunds on special orders

[ColonelJLloyd]

I'll bet the shop dudes laughed for a good while after you walked out the door.