Bicycle Mechanics - One bent spoke

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gazolba
02-20-04, 10:38 PM
I discovered I have one bent spoke on my rear wheel. Is it critical to get it replaced or can I live with it for a while?

Is it easy to replace? I have to replace the tires anyway so the wheel and tire will have to come off.

froze
02-20-04, 10:54 PM
Depends on how many spokes you have will depend on whether or not you can ride on it for a while. The higher the spoke count the better your chances. I have 36 spoke wheels and once I broke a spoke (due to a stick) and I just twisted the sucker around another spoke and rode it 20 miles home without adjusting any of the other spokes. Obviously you need to replace it as soon as possible, but if finances are tight and your running 32 or 36 spoke rims then just make sure the wheel is trued the best you can and ride it till your ready to fix it.
CRUM
02-21-04, 05:32 AM
A bent spoke means little as long as the wheel is still essentially true and round. I have customers whose wheels are a mass of bent spokes, but yet true just fine and ride just fine.

The ease of changing a spoke is relative to the knowledge one has in general regarding wheels. All in all, I wouldn't sweat the bent spoke unless it is affecting the performance of the wheel. Do check the spoke nipple. Sometimes after a hit, they can be weakened and ultimately break. Sometimes you can spot this through close scrutiny.