Adjusting the spokes on a bike is the main way in which a cyclist can correct bends in a wheel. Spoke adjustment can often seem like a complex task, leading many cyclists to seek professional assistance. However, with a little application and care, spoke adjustment can be carried out simply and effectively.
Step 1
Locate the bend in the wheel to determine which spokes need adjusting. Rest your bicycle upside down on its saddle and handlebars, and rotate your bicycle's wheel. The bent part of the wheel will rub against the brake pads of the bike. Mark this section using your marker pen.
Step 2
Rotate the wheel a little further until it is free to work on. Mark four spokes on either side of the wheel's bend. Asses the bend; if it is bent to the right the rim will catch on the right pad, if to the left the rim will catch on the left pad.
Step 3
Turn the spokes on the bent side of the wheel counter-clockwise to loosen them, gripping them with your pliers or spoke wrench. Adjust them by a quarter turn each. On the opposite side, tighten the spokes by turning them clockwise a quarter turn each, drawing the wheel straight.
Step 4
Continue until the wheel is straight. If the wheel bends to the other side, turn the spokes back slightly in the opposite direction until the wheel is straight. Test this by rotating the wheel. If it straightened it will no longer catch on the brake pads.
Things You'll Need
- Marker pen
- Spoke wrench or pliers
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