spōk-span-ər
Noun, Verb
A tool used to adjust the tension of bicycle spokes
Example usage: 'I used my spoke-spanner to tighten the spokes on my bike wheel.'
Most used in: Cycling-centric communities, such as bike shops and cycling clubs.
Most used by: Regular cyclists and bike mechanics.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: spoke wrench, spoke key, nipple wrench, bicycle wrench,
What Is A Spoke-Spanner?
A spoke-spanner is a tool used to tighten and adjust the tension of spokes on a wheel. It is an essential tool for maintaining and repairing bicycle wheels, as tight spokes are necessary for a wheel to be strong and to stay true.
Spoke-spanners come in various sizes, depending on the size of the spoke nipples. They typically have two pins or prongs, which fit into the spoke nipple slots and can be used to rotate the nipple clockwise or counter-clockwise. Some spoke-spanners also have a third, flat prong, which is used to tighten or loosen the nipple without turning it.
In the United States, the most common spoke-spanners are 13-gauge and 14-gauge, which fit standard-sized bicycle spokes. According to Bicycle Retailer and Industry News, the average bicycle will have between 28 and 36 spokes, and the average spoke-spanner will be able to fit all of them.
A spoke-spanner is an important tool for any cyclist who wants to keep their bike in good working order. It is essential for bicycle maintenance and repair, and can help ensure that a bike's wheels remain strong and true.
.The Origin of the Term 'Spoke-Spanner'
The term 'spoke-spanner' has been used in the context of cycling since the late 19th century. It was first used in the United Kingdom and Europe to refer to a specialized tool used to adjust the tension of the spokes in a wheel. The spoke-spanner was designed to fit snugly around the spoke and provide a secure grip when adjusting the tension.
The spoke-spanner was a necessary tool for bicycle riders, as it allowed them to adjust the tension of the spokes in order to prevent the wheel from buckling or becoming wobbly. The tool was especially useful for cyclists who rode on rough or uneven terrain.
The spoke-spanner has been in use for more than a century and is still an important tool for cyclists today. While modern spoke-spanners are often made of plastic or metal, the original tool was made of wood.
