Spoke Replacement

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by primal

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...... :crackup

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