Bicycle Mechanics - any tricks to replacing a spoke on rear wheel w/o removing cassette?

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frantik
09-10-12, 05:13 PM
I need to replace a spoke on the non-drive side of my rear wheel. i bought the spoke but realized i can't thread it thru all the way cause it hits the cassette.

i'm guessing i gotta go back to the LBS and have them do it or at least pull and reinstall my cassette or i gotta buy a chainwhip and do it myself

FBinNY
09-10-12, 05:34 PM
This is less than ideal, but very workable.

Gently curve the spoke over your thumbs, all but the last 2" or so near the head. You can eyeball or use trial and error until you can thread it.

After you've threaded the spoke, work it back as straight as you can. It doesn't have to be perfect, but avoid kinks. Once it's close, tension will finish the job.
frantik
09-10-12, 05:50 PM
Thanks! i was thinking i bent the spoke a tiny bit it might work but i didn't want to ruin it. gently curving it sounds like it should work :D

frantik
09-10-12, 07:43 PM
it worked :D