How to Replace Bike Spokes
A broken or overstretched bicycle spoke can make the rim lose support. This could make the bike unstable when making turns. The added stress on neighboring spokes may loosen them or cause them to break. This is definitely a safety hazard and will cause extra wear and tear on your bike. Ultimately this will add up to an enormous and costly repair. Replace a damaged spoke as soon as you can; it's a project you can do yourself.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Spokes
- Spoke wrenches
- Spoke nut or nipple
- Lubricant for bikes
- Screwdriver
Instructions
-
-
1
Remove the wheel containing the broken spoke from the bicycle. Then remove the tire, tube and rim tape from the wheel.
-
2
Remove the broken spoke by using the spoke wrench to loosen the nut or nipple that's holding it in place. If necessary, remove the adjacent spokes if they are covering the broken one.
-
-
3
Buy new spokes and nuts from a bike store. Keep the extras in a handy place should you need them again. If the old spoke is too damaged, bring the owner's manual with you to the store to make sure you get the correct size. The manual will contain all the sizing information.
-
4
Insert the new spoke and thread it into the spoke holes, using the placement of the other spokes as a guide. Tighten the spoke with the spoke wrench. When installed properly, the spoke pattern should be consistent all the way around the wheel.
-
5
Lubricate the threads on the spoke. Fasten the spoke nuts on each end with the screwdriver. Pre-bend the spoke as you are working on it. This means to gently bend the spoke so it is bending the same way as the neighboring spokes.
-
6
Test to see if the spoke is tight enough by plucking it the way you would a guitar string. Then do the same with one of the spokes that has not been removed. They should sound the same. If not, tighten or loosen the new spoke until it sounds like the others when plucked.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you're riding for a long distance, keep any emergency bike equipment--such as tools, an extra spoke and perhaps an extra chain--in a small pouch or bag attached to your bike.
References
- Photo Credit stunt bike wheel image by askthegeek from Fotolia.com
