Leaving a broken or bent spoke in your wheel eventually leads to the wheel buckling out of shape, so make sure to replace a damaged spoke as soon as possible. Straight spokes keep the tension even all the way round the wheel so that it runs true. While replacing a bike spoke isn't too difficult, you do need some special tools to properly loosen and tighten the spoke nipple. Ensure that you get the right length of spoke from the bike store.
Step 1
Remove the wheel with the damaged spokes from your bike. Press down on the tire valve to release the air from the tire until it's completely flat.
Step 2
Use a tire lever to prize the tire off the wheel rim. Pull the valve through the valve hole and set the tire and inner tube to one side. Locate the area with the damaged spokes. If you're removing more than one spoke in a few areas, peel off the rim tape all the way around the wheel. For just a couple of spokes, peel back the tape in that region.
Step 3
Loosen the spoke nipple at the rim end of the wheel using a spoke wrench. Pull the spoke from the hole at the center of the wheel, known as the hub flange. Slide the damaged spoke out. If you're removing all of a wheel's spokes, ensure you loosen each one a little at a time or you could warp the rim.
Step 4
Push the new spoke through the hub flange so that the bent end is at the center. Position the other end into the rim hole. Look at the spoke pattern on your wheel, and gently position the spoke into place in the same pattern. You may need to flex the spoke over or under an adjacent spoke. Ensure that the crossing point is at the same level as that of neighboring spokes.
Step 5
Rub a little linseed oil or bike lubricant into the spoke nipple and on top. Push it through the top of the rim so that it sticks out of the rim interior. Make sure it slides onto the top of the spoke.
Step 6
Tighten the spoke nipple from the outside rim using a small flathead screwdriver. Use a spoke wrench to tighten the nipple on the inside side of the rim.
Step 7
Pluck a spoke next to the new spoke and listen to the pitch of the wire sound. Twang your new spoke and check that the sound is near the pitch of the previous spoke. This means that they are approximately the same tightness. Repeat the process for additional spokes.
Tips and Warnings
- If you're changing the spokes on the rear wheel, take the gear cog cassette from the wheel to access the spokes. True your wheel when all your spokes are in place to ensure that there is no wobble or bend. If you're replacing multiple spokes, replace them one at a time on opposite sides of the rim to keep it balanced.
- Make sure you get the right replacement spoke gauge. Bring the old spoke to the bike shop to compare. Remember that not all bikes have the same specifications -- check your manufacturer's instructions before riding.
Things You'll Need
- Spoke wrench
- Linseed oil
- Small flathead screwdriver
- Tire lever
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