BMX wheels can easily become bent and damaged because of the extreme nature of the sport, especially when BMX bicycles are used on jumps and uneven terrain. However, BMX riders needn’t head straight for professional help as bends can regularly be corrected at home or on the road with the use of only a few common household tools, allowing a bicycle to be returned to its correct level of performance quickly and effectively.
Step 1
Turn the BMX upside down so that it rests on its handlebars and saddle, providing a stable surface to work on the bicycle. Gently rotate the wheel that is bent and watch carefully as it passes the brake pads. The bent area of the wheel will rub against one of the pads.
Step 2
Mark out approximately four spokes on either side of the bent section of the rim using your chalk. Rotate the wheel round a quarter of a turn further once you have marked the spokes to provide plenty of space to work on.
Step 3
Adjust the spokes on the bent side of the wheel, using a spoke wrench or pliers, by twisting them a quarter of a turn counter-clockwise. This will loosen them. On the opposite side of the wheel, twist the spokes a quarter of a turn in a clockwise direction to tightening them. This combination of turns will pull the wheel into alignment.
Step 4
Rotate the wheel once again and observe whether the wheel turns without rubbing on the pads. If the wheel still catches on the pads, continue to tighten the spokes on the opposite side of the bend until the wheel is fully straightened.
Step 5
Return the BMX to its standing position and take a short ride to ensure that the wheel performs as it should.
Things You'll Need
- Chalk
- Spoke wrench or pliers
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