Spoke Replacement

[primal]

Does anyone know how easy it would be to replace a single spoke? One of the spokes on my rear wheel broke and I'd rather not have to have them all replaced. Also, does anyone know where I might be able to get just a single spoke?

I know it's not the smartest idea in the world, and I probably already know the answer to this, but would it be too risky to ride with a single spoke broken (only until I could get it repaired, of course)?

[patrick_777]

You might want to PM or email the guy in this thread: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=878 (http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=878)

As far as replacement...I defer.

[Easy Rider]

I know it's not the smartest idea in the world, and I probably already know the answer to this, but would it be too risky to ride with a single spoke broken (only until I could get it repaired, of course)?

Don't think it will be a problem as long as the adjacent spokes are not damaged, you don't ride too fast and the roads are relatively smooth.

Yes, you certainly can replace a single spoke. The first problem is finding a single one and the second problem is (I"m pretty sure) you need to take the tire off to do it.

[primal]

Yes, you certainly can replace a single spoke. The first problem is finding a single one and the second problem is (I"m pretty sure) you need to take the tire off to do it.

I haven't really looked at it too closely, but I really didn't see any reason why you'd have to take the tire off...

[Easy Rider]

Yes, you certainly can replace a single spoke. The first problem is finding a single one and the second problem is (I"m pretty sure) you need to take the tire off to do it.

I haven't really looked at it too closely, but I really didn't see any reason why you'd have to take the tire off...

Look closely and think about it. The "nut" goes inside the rim. Unless the broken spoke came out of the nut cleanly and it is still sticking out of the rim, they you WILL have to take the tire off the get a nut back though that little hole.

[primal]

The spoke broke down by the hub where the spoke bends. I was able to easily unscrew the spoke from the nut. At most it looks like I will have to deflate the tire a bit so I can push the nut back enough to get the new spoke threaded.

Here's a pic: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/ ... C00044.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/DSC00044.jpg)

[Easy Rider]

At most it looks like I will have to deflate the tire a bit so I can push the nut back enough to get the new spoke threaded.


Good plan......and hope that it doesn't fall down INSIDE the tire in the process.
It might help to get a spoke wrench; should be only a couple of bucks.
Do you know how to tell when it is tightened correctly ??

[primal]

I've done a little reading about tightening the spokes, but nothing definitive yet. Any suggestions?

[Sarris]

I've always pinged them with a wrench and tightend or loosened them to get the ping to the same pitch on all the spokes. That should equate to equal tension. Not too scientific, but it does work. Also, you really don't need to deflate the tire, just gently push the nipple into the tube (it's protected by a rim strip) enough to clear the new spoke, and spray a little WD-40 around the nipple to lube, the turn s l o w l y.

:biggrin:

[patrick_777]

just spray a little WD-40 around the nipple to lube, the turn s l o w l e y.

Sounds like a successful Friday night to me.

[Easy Rider]

I've done a little reading about tightening the spokes, but nothing definitive yet. Any suggestions?

Yes, first don't get carried away; that is, don't go messing with the OTHER ones.
Spokes are usually adjusted using the "tuning fork" method.......for those who can't afford a multi-thousand dollar machine to test the tension.

You get a fairly stout metal rod (screw driver will work) and tap the spoke lightly but firmly to get a "tinggggggg" from it. The note of that ting tells you how tight (or loose) the spoke is.
In your case, you will want to thump a couple on each side of the missing one to get a feel for the tone when stroked, then tighten the new one to produce a similar tone.

CAUTION: For others reading this thread, don't get any cute ideas and think you need to "tune" your spokes. If it ain't broke, don't screw with it. This comes from a really bad experience with a bicycle tire; at least it was pretty cheap to fix (entire new wheel !).

All the spokes should NOT necessarily make the same sound. When the wheel is trued, the individual spokes are each tightened differently; if you change them, your wheel may end up warped!

It is OK to occasionally look for really loose spokes though. You thump each one and they go: ting, ting, ting, THUNK. The thunk is a loose one; you can probably wiggle it with your fingers. Tighten it until it just makes a LOW note instead of a thunk; no more; don't try to match the others. If you decide you MUST do this, get a spoke wrench; other tools will ruin the adjuster nut.

Don't do this while anybody is around to see. They will KNOW that you have gone bonkers and call the white-coats to get you !!! But I just LOVE my bike; it even makes pretty music.....see....ting, ting...... :crazy: :crackup

That's our lesson for today, kiddies. Now you can all go out and play (ride)! :biggrin:

[primal]

just spray a little WD-40 around the nipple to lube, the turn s l o w l e y.

Sounds like a successful Friday night to me.
:crackup :2tup:

[primal]

Spokes are usually adjusted using the "tuning fork" method.......for those who can't afford a multi-thousand dollar machine to test the tension.

Yea, that's one of the methods I was reading about. Its actually the method I used to check to see if I had any other loose spokes. I think I found one, but luckily it wasn't close to the broken one.