JayP

Got a 2005 Trek 4300 for $120 doesn't seem like a bad deal in great condition. The rear wheel is a missing a spoke, the bike seems like its worthy of new spokes or a wheel. The true in the rear wheel is awful as a result of the missing spoke. Do you folks recommend i adjust the adjacent spokes to true the wheel or acquire a new spoke. I tried removing the cassette to replace the spoke with a spare i had from another bike, but i apparently need a special tool to remove the SRAM cassette.

Little Darwin

Of course you should replace the missing spoke... Doesn't a SRAM cassette uses the same tool as a Shimano cassette?

bikeman715

yes replace the spoke or the wheel, it your choice. you need the park tool FR-5 to remove the cassette locking ring, or the FR-1 if it a freewheel.

AndrewP

If you can get the wheel resonably true by adjusting tension of the adjacent spoke, it can probably be fixed with a new spoke. Dont ride it like this. Buy the cassette removal tool and 1 spoke. Then consider buying a new wheel. You will still need the tool to install the cassette on the new wheel.

HillRider

Either replace the spoke yourself or have an LBS do it but have it replaced right away. Do not ride the bike with a broken or missing spoke.

JayP

Thanks for the advice everyone, much appreciated. I'm considering new tires making the bike somewhat of a hybrid.Bikeman where can i purchase this tool for a good price, i have tons of tools at home but none custom designed for bikes, with the exception of a spoke wrench.

bikinfool

Google for a Park FR-1, or visit your local bike store, they're not very expensive. You might also want to check to make sure the spoke tool you have is the right size, and the chances that the spare spoke you have is the right size isn't very good. FWIW "new bike" usually means just that, not a used bike that is new to you...and if that wheel is shot, then that price is going up...

Panthers007

Agreed ^^^ - Don't Ride It. It will only make matters worse. Get a bike shop to measure/replace the spoke and true the wheel. Shouldn't cost much - spoke replacements are easy. Takes me under a minute once the wheel is ready. Yes - SRAM & Shimano are compatible regards tools to remove the cassette. Most LBS's carry the FR-1. Good investment.

Don't go buying a new wheel until you get the current one re-spoked and trued. A tire & tube? Sure!

Looks like a very good machine for the money. Did you buy it from a guy with black sunglasses, a German Shepard, and a long white cane? LOL.

Happy Trails!

JayP

Ha ! I actually bought it off craigslist. A guy wanted his apartment closet space back, he even threw in a helmet.I was wondering if it was a good price or not but from the looks of online reviews, it appears so.

z415

It is like $5.

Scheherezade 

Lovin' the plastic pedals. I'm rocking some on my beater, =) Ride them till they break in half.

bikeman715

try your lbs, or online like performace.com ,bikenashbar.com ,or biketoolsetc.com , they all have it and they all can help you out. good luck.