lubozju

I have a 70s varsity.

The spoke just broke where it connects to the wheel. Actually both spoke and its hat on the wheel depart from the wheel now.(I may not use the right term to describe, hope you guys still can understand)

Can anyone tell me what I can do next?

Can I just replace or reconnect the broken spoke?

Or do I have to replace the whole front wheel?

Can anyone recommend me where to buy these just in case.

Thanks

sk0tt

If the spoke isn't broken, but just the nipple, the spoke maybe slightly too short. You could just replace the nipple, but if the spoke is too short, it will break again eventually.

lubozju

I am new to bikes especially vintage bikes, so I am not quite sure if the broken part is just the nipple. All I can tell is the disconnected part is just on the wheel not in the middle of the spoke. Hope this can help you recognize which part is actually broken.

The story is I ride the bike, suddenly a metal stick come into the wheel... When I notice this, the spoke is already off the wheel. So my point is the spoke is not broken when normal riding but just because a metal thing fly into it

the spoke now right is a little bent.

sk0tt

You should check the rim around the spoke hole for cracks, or see if the hole has been enlarged since the spoke pulled through. It may have damaged the rim.

If the rim looks ok, you will need a new spoke, and a spoke wrench.
There is some info here- https://bicycletutor.com/broken-spoke/ and probably some videos on youtube.

jimmuller 

The spoke can certainly be replaced. If the nipple broke then it too must be replaced, and to do that you must remove the tire, tube, and rim strip (the cloth or rubber strip wrapped around the rim under the tube). The first trick is to get the correct length spoke. If the spoke is one that emerges from the hub from the inside of the flange then you have a tougher task threading it through the existing spokes; you have to bend the spoke and let the wheel tension straighten it when it is tightened back up. Finally the spoke must be tensioned properly and the wheel re-trued.

All of this is something any good shop can do, though the labor to do so may be more than the wheel is worth, especially if it is a steel wheel on an entry-level bike like the Varsity. You can do it yourself if you have tire irons to remove and replace the tire, and if you have a spoke wrench to fit that nipple size, and if you have patience and decent mechanical ability. Better still, find a friend who knows bikes or a bike co-op who can help you and advise you as you go.

busdriver1959

You can just replace the spoke. It sounds like maybe the nipple is all that broke (not completely sure). If that's the case, you could just get a new nipple. It might be best to replace both the spoke and the nipple though. No need to replace the whole wheel.

Edit: I see i just repeated what skOtt and Jimmuller said. I need to learn to type faster.

lubozju

Thanks for all the inputs.

I will go the the LBS to get a quote, hope they still have the right parts to do something for the old bike.

More questions. If I just get rid of this broken spoke or nipple completely. can I still ride the bike without problems?

For sure, it is not as beautiful as before. But as for other aspect, is it really bad if only one spoke is missing?

Thanks

busdriver1959

Your LBS should have plenty of spokes in many sizes. This should be a low cost fix. If you ride without a spoke for a short amount of time you will be fine. Eventually, other spokes may start to break. I have ridden 150-200 miles before fixing a broken spoke without any problems.

lubozju

Glad to hear that.

I will also need to replace both tires shortly.

Is Kenda k35 27 1 1/4 a good replacement for this vintage?

I like the gumwall. I never use the bike for racing but just basic touring and commuting.

zukahn1 

They are good replacements and run fairly good you can buy slightly better tires but there not worth the money.