- Get a replacement spoke that matches the ones on your wheel. Simply take the broken one into a bike shop and they'll provide you with a match.
- Thread the spoke through the hub, matching the pattern exactly so that it fits the sequence of existing spokes.
- Thread the spoke up through the other spokes, again matching the pattern (over some neighboring spokes, under others) on the way to the nipple. ...
- Line up the threaded end of the spokes with the nipple, and using a spoke wrench, screw it into place. ...
How do you replace a bicycle spoke?
Tools & Materials
- Replacement spoke
- Spoke key
- Zip ties
How to repair a broken bicycle spoke?
- “My buddy who weighed 290 used to break spokes like crazy, as well as destroy headsets. ...
- “I had the same issue with a set of wheels. I was breaking a spoke every week or two. ...
- “I upgraded to a new set of wheels and haven’t had any trouble since. ...
- “I wish I’d changed them all at once, instead of one at a time.”
How do you tighten spokes on a bicycle?
Steps
- Set up The Wheel For Inspection. You’ll need to locate the loose spokes before you can tighten them. ...
- Check The Tension on The Spokes. There are a couple of ways to pull this off. ...
- Tighten the Problem Spokes. Once all loose spokes have been identified, locate the spoke nipple on each. ...
- Re-check the Wheel. ...
How to fix the spokes on a bike?
Replacing a Spoke
- Get a replacement spoke that matches the ones on your wheel. ...
- Thread the spoke through the hub, matching the pattern exactly so that it fits the sequence of existing spokes.
- Thread the spoke up through the other spokes, again matching the pattern (over some neighboring spokes, under others) on the way to the nipple. ...
Can you fix broken spokes?
A faulty or damaged spoke should simply be replaced. In a properly built wheel, stainless steel spokes don't fail through fatigue, so a fatigue failure can be the first of many. Two or more fatigue failures means the best option is to rebuild the whole wheel with new spokes.
Is it safe to ride a bike with a broken spoke?
Generally, it is not dangerous to ride with a broken or missing spoke. It is pretty safe if only one spoke is broken. But if three or four spokes have broken, it's best to stop cycling. This could lead to more spokes breaking, the wheel bucking and more expensive repairs.
How do you reattach a spoke?
3:244:33How to fix a broken or loose spoke - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBy loosening even slightly tighten the knees on slightly. Again just do this with quarter turns don'MoreBy loosening even slightly tighten the knees on slightly. Again just do this with quarter turns don't go any more than that just work your way slowly.
Is it hard to replace spokes?
Insert the spoke head into the hub;insert the threaded end through thewheel rim and screw the spoke nipple on. A broken or bent wheel spoke can cause further problems with your bike, but replacing it is easy. Tools: adjustable wrench, two tire irons, wire cutter, bicycle spoke wrench, file, bicycle pump.
How much does it cost to replace a bike spoke?
Labor RatesTUNE-UP PACKAGESSpoke Replacement (Includes wheel truing, does include spokes)Â$25.00Spoke Replacement with Tune-Up$10.00$30.00*$25.00*Remove / Install Cassette on Bike$10.00$15.0040 more rows•Jun 12, 2022
What causes bike spokes to break?
Bike spokes break most commonly due to wear and tear. A high-frequent cause for spoke breaks is that the rider has hit a curb or pothole, doesn't maintain the bike well, or the passenger is too heavy for that model. Rougher terrain will also deteriorate the rims faster, which in turn deteriorates the spokes faster.
How do you assemble bike spokes?
10:3020:34How To Build A Bicycle Wheel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFlat the heads of the spokes just inserted should be on the inside of the flange with the elbow onMoreFlat the heads of the spokes just inserted should be on the inside of the flange with the elbow on the outside. Grab the hub and twist in a clockwise rotation.
How do you tighten spokes without a spoke wrench?
0:311:59How to true a bicycle wheel with no tools - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd connecting the hub to the side of the bow or the more preferred method tied in the spoke nearestMoreAnd connecting the hub to the side of the bow or the more preferred method tied in the spoke nearest to the bow and connecting the hub on the other side of the boat. So the opposite.
How do you change a spoke without removing a cassette?
3:177:48How To Replace A Bike Spoke Without Removing The Wheel, Tire ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust going to thread it the full length of the threads. On the spoke like that. And now I'm going toMoreJust going to thread it the full length of the threads. On the spoke like that. And now I'm going to pull the spoke back into the hub. And get the hub nut seated.
What Do You Do With a Broken spoke?
2:415:13How To Replace A Broken Spoke | Fix Your Road Bike With GCN - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause you thread it in to the opposite end of the nipple to normal several times and then you haveMoreBecause you thread it in to the opposite end of the nipple to normal several times and then you have a handy poking device threading it back through the rim.
Is Spoke Prep necessary?
A vital step in bicycle wheel building is prepping the spokes with some kind of spoke prep. There are two reasons to prep spokes: Provides lubrication while you are lacing and truing the wheel. It becomes like a thread-lock after it the wheel is laced.
How do you remove bike spokes?
0:426:03How to Replace Spokes on a Bike Wheel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you have a spoke that's broken at this end and not at the top then you'll you will need toMoreSo if you have a spoke that's broken at this end and not at the top then you'll you will need to remove your room strip. If you have a spoke.
Can I ride my mountain bike with a broken spoke?
You can technically ride with a broken/missing spoke, but it is not ideal. The missing spoke is going to put pressure on the others, and it will cause bigger problems if you don't replace it.
What to do if you break a spoke?
14:1016:15I Broke a Spoke. Now What? | Shop Talk Live from Sea Otter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight you break three spokes it's out you're rebuilding you wheel if you keep writing are you goingMoreRight you break three spokes it's out you're rebuilding you wheel if you keep writing are you going to rebuild your wheel yes one spoke at a time eventually you'll get there.
How do you prevent broken spokes?
The best way to avoid spoke fatigue is to go to a skilled builder, who will advise on spoke count and rim weight (heavier rims are stronger…) and use correct spoke tension and proven stress-relieving techniques to minimise the cyclic loading responsible for fatigue failure.
Is it safe to ride a bike with a wobbly wheel?
It depends on the reason for them not being true. A lack of equal tension in the spokes could mean weakness in one (or more) of them - and broken spokes are not a good thing to ignore. You can survive one or maybe two for a short while, but eventually the rim could be in danger of collapsing.
How easy is it to replace a spoke?
Fitting a replacement is easier than you think. Spokes can snap. Not often, and perhaps never if your bike has well-built wheels with enough spokes each to share the load. But even if you’re not very heavy and your wheels have plenty of spokes each to share the load better, they can break.
How much does it cost to fix a bike spoke?
Broken spoke replacement typically costs between $25 and $35. Labor for full wheel builds is $60 plus the cost of components, which varies considerably.
What causes broken bike spokes?
Bike spokes break most commonly due to wear and tear. A high-frequent cause for spoke breaks is that the rider has hit a curb or pothole, doesn’t maintain the bike well, or the passenger is too heavy for that model. Rougher terrain will also deteriorate the rims faster, which in turn deteriorates the spokes faster.
What is a bicycle spoke?
Spokes are the connecting rods between the bicycle hub and the rim. Their main purpose is to transfer the loads between the hub and the rim, which are caused by the weight of the rider and the bike. The lacing of the spoke is most commonly tangentially attached.
How often should you tighten spokes?
If your wheels were built well, once a year or less take it into the shop and get a touch up. If you do mess with your wheels it is just as important to loosen the opposite side spokes as you tighten one side to cure a hop. Sometimes if only one spoke is loose you don’t need to loosen others.
What is Broken spoke?
4 adj If someone talks in broken English, for example, or in broken French , they speak slowly and make a lot of mistakes because they do not know the language very well.
Can you change the free hub on a bike wheel?
You can now remove the axle from the drive side. When you do this, the bearings may be left inside the hub or stuck to the cones. We always replace bearings with new ones, but if you want to use your old bearings make sure you catch them all! A pair of needlenose pliers are handy for removing bearings from the hub.
How to make sure spokes don't stick out?
After you've aligned the tire, check the new spoke to make sure it doesn't stick out through the rim end of the nipple. If necessary, file it flat. Finally, replace the rubber band over the spoke nipples, replace the tube and tire, and pump the tire full.
How to remove a bicycle tire?
Set the bicycle upside down and prop it firmly in place. Using an adjustable wrench, loosen the nuts that hold the wheel in place; remove the wheel. Let the air out of the tire. Remove the tire from the wheel by hand, if possible; or use tire irons to work the tire over the rim. Starting at a spoke, carefully insert the plain end of a tire iron between the rim and the tire. Holding that end in place, pull the slotted end down and behind the spoke, and hook the slot over the spoke. Insert a second tire iron at the next spoke; repeat, moving the irons alternately around the rim, until you can work the tire off by hand. Then remove both tire and tube.
How to spin a bicycle wheel?
Hand-tighten the nipple; don't use the spoke wrench yet. Tighten or loosen the new spoketo align the wheel properly; it should spin freely and evenly. Replace the wheel rim in the fork of the bicycle frame; tighten the wheel nuts. Spin the rim firmly with your hand. As it spins, sight directly down the wheel to see if the spin is even.
How to make sure you get the right size for a bike wheel?
To make sure you get the right size, either take the whole wheel to the bike shop or remove a good spoke from the same side to measure by . Don't accept any differences in either length or diameter. To make the repair, insert the head of the spoke, the end that doesn't have a nipple, into the empty hole in the hub.
Is it dangerous to ride a bike with a broken spoke?
While riding a bike with a broken spoke isn't dangerous, riding a bike with unreliable brakes is. Keep your brakes in tip-top shape by tuning them up regularly. See the next page for how-to tips. For tips on caring for and repairing other types of sports equipment, try the following links:
How long does it take to replace a spoke on a bike?
Fortunately the fix is pretty simple: it'll take your local bike shop just a couple of minutes to replace the spoke and it's usually an inexpensive proposition - around a buck for a new spoke and maybe a half-hour's labor if it is a rear wheel spoke that needs replaced and the mechanic has to remove the cassette in the process.
How to keep spokes from getting entangled in bike?
To keep it secure, you can tape it to a neighbor or unscrew it from the nipple and remove it completely.
What is a bike spoke?
Bike spokes are a pretty simple part of your bike. They support your weight and transfer power from the hub to the wheel. Though occasional maintenance and general inspection will identify most problems with spokes, you'll still have things pop up from time to time.
Where do spokes break?
Spokes break most frequently where the head of the spoke laces into the hub at the innermost part of the wheel because the curved head of the spoke is the weakest part and yet still has to bears a lot of the weight and force of power transfer.
Can you bend a spoke?
It's okay to bend the spoke a fair amount as you work it into place. Line up the threaded end of the spokes with the nipple, and using a spoke wrench, screw it into place. Tighten it so that its tension is roughly equal to its neighbors. You can pluck it with your fingers like a guitar string.
Can you ride a bike with a broken spoke?
You're okay to ride it a bit longer if necessary to get home, but you don't want another forty miles or continue riding days and days with a broken spoke if you can help it. It puts additional stress and strain on your other spokes (which can then cause them to break prematurely at some point down the road too) and can make your wheel go out of true.
How do you stop spokes from breaking?
The best way to avoid spoke fatigue is to go to a skilled builder, who will advise on spoke count and rim weight (heavier rims are stronger…) and use correct spoke tension and proven stress-relieving techniques to minimise the cyclic loading responsible for fatigue failure.
How tight should bike spokes be?
The spokes should feel tight and firm. They should have just a little give when you squeeze them fairly hard. Squeeze a few spokes on other bikes to get an idea of how they should feel. It is rare for spokes to be too tight, but it is very common for them to be too loose.
Can you ride a dirt bike with a missing spoke?
Yes you can ride home with a broken spoke. I’d probably unscrew the spoke from the nipple before doing so, so that it doesn’t wobble around and get caught in other bits of the bike.
Can you replace a bike spoke?
To replace the spoke (s) you must remove the tire, tube and rim strip to get to the nipple and you must remove the brake rotor and/or cassette on the back wheel to get the spoke laced through the hub. Once installed, you must tension the spokes properly to bring the rim into true.
Are spokes worth replacing?
A faulty spoke might break anywhere. A faulty or damaged spoke should simply be replaced. In a properly built wheel, stainless steel spokes don’t fail through fatigue, so a fatigue failure can be the first of many. Two or more fatigue failures means the best option is to rebuild the whole wheel with new spokes.
How much does it cost to true a bike wheel?
If the wheel is fixable–it generally looks good but has a wobble–you can expect your local bike shop to charge $20 – $30 to true it using professional equipment like a truing stand for the perfect line and roundness.
What is Broken spoke?
4 adj If someone talks in broken English, for example, or in broken French , they speak slowly and make a lot of mistakes because they do not know the language very well.
How to remove spokes from a bike?
1. For a rear wheel spoke, first remove the cassette. If you’ve snapped a spoke on the front, skip to step 2. Otherwise, remove the cassette and with the wheel off the frame, hold it steady with a chain whip and use a cassette lockring tool, turning it anticlockwise. Remove the cassette and put it somewhere safe.
How long has Seb been riding a mountain bike?
Seb's been riding and racing mountain bikes for half his life. Since getting hooked on mountain bikes aged thirteen riding a tiny 24Seven Crosser, he's raced downhill, enduro and cross country, and while no athlete, still enters the occasional race. Seb studied experimental physics at university, and he's now happily using (wasting) his degree experimenting with different bike setups, trying to work out what works best and why. You'll often find him riding the same track ten times in a day, changing just one thing to pin down the differences. Seb's much happier back-to-back testing suspension on a wet Welsh hillside than riding the latest five-figure bikes on some sunny press trip - although he quite likes that too!
How to unscrew a six bolt rotor?
If it’s a six-bolt, use a T25 Torx key to unscrew the bolts, anticlockwise. If it’s a centre lock rotor, either a cassette lockring or external bottom bracket tool will remove the lockring. Then pull the rotor off the hub. 3. Unwind the spoke. Unwind the spoke with a spoke key.
Can you replace a spoke without removing the nipple?
Jonathan Ashelford / Immediate Media. If the spoke nipple is undamaged and there’s still a few cm of spoke left, you can replace it without removing the nipple , which is much quicker, though not the best long-term fix.
Do straight pull spokes overlap?
Some straight-pull spokes are designed not to overlap, so in that case thread it in the same way as the other spokes in the wheel.
