How to fix a bike spoke? A broken bike spoke can cause a lot of problems, from an inability to ride your bike to the wheel coming off while you’re riding.
A broken bike spoke is not only inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous. If you don’t know how to fix a bike spoke, you could end up stranded or even in danger.
This guide will show you how to fix a bike spoke quickly and easily, so that you can get back on the road as soon as possible.
How to fix a bike spoke?
Tools you need to prepare
- Spoke wrench
- Replacement spoke
- Nipple driver (optional)
Guide to fix a bike spoke
Step 1: Remove the cassette if it’s a rear wheel spoke
If you’ve snapped a spoke on the front, skip to step 2. To remove the rear wheel, you will first need to remove the cassette. To do this, you will need a chain whip and lockring remover (or an all-in-one tool).
- Begin by shifting your chain onto the smallest cog on your cassette. This will give you more leverage when removing the lockring.
- Place the chain whip onto one of the spokes adjacent to the lockring and hold it in place with your left hand.
- With your right hand, insert the lockring remover into the notches on the lockring and turn it counterclockwise. You may need to apply quite a bit of force to get it started. Once it’s moving, continue turning until the lockring is completely removed.
- The cassette should now slide right off the freehub body. If it’s stuck, you can try gently tapping it with a rubber mallet or piece of wood.
- Now that the cassette is off.
Step 2: Take off the brake rotor
You’ll likely need to remove the brake rotor. This is because the spoke you need to replace is on the other side of the hub, and it can be very difficult to thread the new spoke through the rotor.
To remove the rotor, first loosen the bolts that secure it to the hub. These bolts are usually located at the top and bottom of the rotor. Once they are loose, you should be able to pull the rotor off by hand. If it’s stuck, you can try gently tapping it with a rubber mallet or piece of wood.
Step 3: Unwind the spoke
If the spoke nipple is undamaged, you can try to unscrew it with a spoke wrench. Otherwise, you’ll need to use a nipples driver to remove the spoke nipple from the rim.
To unscrew the spoke nipple with a spoke wrench, hold the wrench on the flats of the spoke nipple and turn it counterclockwise.
If the spoke nipple is damaged or won’t unscrew with a spoke wrench, you’ll need to use a nipples driver. To do this, insert the driver into the spoke hole in the rim and push down on the handle to drive the nipple out of the rim.
Step 4: Have a look at the nipple
If the spoke’s snapped inside or near the nipple, replace it. Otherwise, try to screw the nipple back into the rim. If it won’t thread in, then the spoke hole in the rim is stripped and you’ll need to replace the rim.
Step 5: Get rid of your old spoke
Remove the old spoke from the hub flange, then thread in the new spoke, noting which side of the hub the spoke goes on. For a rear wheel, the new spoke will usually go on the non-drive side of the hub.
Step 6: Thread in the new spoke
Thread in the new spoke, making sure to put it in the correct side of the hub flange. Then, pull on the spoke until there’s no slack and the wheel is true.
Step 7: Tighten the nipple
Screw the nipple onto the spoke until it’s tight. You may need to use a spoke wrench or nipples driver to do this. Be careful not to over-tighten the nipple, as this can damage the rim.
And the last step is to test your work.
Step 8: Test your work
Before you ride, test your work by spinning the wheel and looking for any wobbles. If the wheel is still true, then you’re good to go.
If the wheel is out of true, use a spoke wrench or truing tool to adjust the spoke until the wheel is true.
How much does it cost to replace a bike spoke?
The cost of replacing a bike spoke will depend on the type of spoke you need and where you get it from. A basic steel spoke can cost as little as $0.50, while a more expensive titanium spoke can cost upwards of $5.00. You will also need to factor in the cost of labor if you are not doing the work yourself. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may also need to replace the rim, which can add an additional $20-30 to the total cost.
F.A.Q How to fix a bike spoke?
Can you ride a bike with a broken spoke?
It is not advisable to ride a bike with a broken spoke, as this can cause further damage to the wheel and make it more difficult to pedal. If you must ride, try to avoid putting too much pressure on the damaged spoke, as this could cause the wheel to collapse.
How much is it to fix a spoke on a bike?
The cost of fixing a spoke on a bike will depend on the type of bike, the number of spokes that need to be replaced, and the severity of the damage. A basic repair can often be done for under $20, but more extensive damage can cost over $100 to fix.
How do you fix a noisy spoke?
If a spoke is making noise, it is likely that the spoke nipple is loose. To fix this, use a spoke wrench or nipples driver to tighten the spoke nipple until it is snug. Be careful not to over-tighten the nipple, as this can damage the rim.
How do you fix a broken spoke on a wheel?
If a spoke is broken, you will need to remove the broken spoke and replace it with a new one. To do this, first loosen the brake rotor (if applicable), then unscrew the spoke nipple from the rim. Thread the new spoke through the hub flange and spoke hole in the rim, then screw on the new spoke nipple. Pull on the spoke until there is no slack, then test for trueness. Adjust as necessary.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. How to fix a bike spoke in easy steps. If you’re still having trouble or need some help, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below with your question and we will do our best to answer it as soon as possible. And remember, practice makes perfect! Once you get the hang of it, repairing a bike spoke should be a breeze. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments. And don’t forget to follow our website bigbuddybike.com to read more on this topic.
