siclmn
10-26-02, 10:05 PM
When you break just one spoke on a ride and you want to keep going do you loosen or tighten the spoke next to it or something?Do you ever do something to the spoke that is 180 degrees oposite?
Bicycle Mechanics - What are the rules for when you break a spoke?
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mechBgon
10-27-02, 12:02 AM
I would loosen the spokes that are nearest neighbors to the broken one. No need to loosen the one 180 degrees opposite.
It's a good idea to look at the brake pads to make sure they aren't cutting into the tire casing at the area where the broken spoke was. If necessary, loosen up the brake pads and lower them so they clear the tire casing, or you might ruin a tire and get a flat too. :crash:
It's a good idea to look at the brake pads to make sure they aren't cutting into the tire casing at the area where the broken spoke was. If necessary, loosen up the brake pads and lower them so they clear the tire casing, or you might ruin a tire and get a flat too. :crash:
P. B. Walker
10-27-02, 01:19 AM
I've had to do a few things when spokes break depending on how badly out of true the wheel goes. Mostly, if it's not too badly bent, you just need to loosen the spoke on either side of the spoke that is broken. Then loose up the brakes a bit so that it doesn't hit the rim or tire. I would also wrap the broken spoke around the closest spoke so that it is not flapping around.
If the tire is REALLY out of true (like it's hitting the frame), then I have had to loosen the first spoke on either side (the most), tighten the 2nd spoke on either side (a little less) and then loosen the 3rd spoke on either side (the least). Remember how many turns you loosen and tighten so that you can loosen and tighten equally among the spokes. You should see the wheel straightening out a bit as you do this. A little wobble isn't bad, just make sure it's not hitting the frame or brakes. You aren't going to get it back into true, just try to get close. Be patient.
I've actually broken two spokes (one at say 12 o'clock and one at 7 o'clock) and finished my ride home from work (about 9 miles). I would recommend you keep your speed low, since your brakes are loosen and your wheel is weakened. It's kinda like having that little spare tire on your car, just take it easy and get to the nearest place to fix it as possible, be it your house or car or bike shop.
And make sure your all-in-one tool has a spoke wench :)
If the tire is REALLY out of true (like it's hitting the frame), then I have had to loosen the first spoke on either side (the most), tighten the 2nd spoke on either side (a little less) and then loosen the 3rd spoke on either side (the least). Remember how many turns you loosen and tighten so that you can loosen and tighten equally among the spokes. You should see the wheel straightening out a bit as you do this. A little wobble isn't bad, just make sure it's not hitting the frame or brakes. You aren't going to get it back into true, just try to get close. Be patient.
I've actually broken two spokes (one at say 12 o'clock and one at 7 o'clock) and finished my ride home from work (about 9 miles). I would recommend you keep your speed low, since your brakes are loosen and your wheel is weakened. It's kinda like having that little spare tire on your car, just take it easy and get to the nearest place to fix it as possible, be it your house or car or bike shop.
And make sure your all-in-one tool has a spoke wench :)
Arsbars
10-31-02, 03:05 PM
Are u talking about riding on it, or how many broken spokes u can have before u rebuild/buy a new wheel.. i would say 3 to the last question. And to the first everyone else has answered the question... just keep aware that something went wrong, maybe ur wheel hasn't been trued lately, or never was?? Just a thought..