New Bike Breaking Spokes
#1
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New Bike Breaking Spokes
A little over a month ago I got my first bike (Specialized Expedition Sport) and rode it for 250 miles with zero problems when I weighed 370lbs. Then I wanted to go a little faster, so I bought a Trek FX 7.2 and have ridden it about 120 miles now. In that 120 miles, I have broken two spokes on the rear wheel now and I'm down to 348lbs. I'm trying to figure out why the new bike is breaking spokes so quickly and the first bike did not. Also trying to figure out what needs to be done in order to keep it from continuing. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
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I dont know anything about wheels but congratulations on the weight loss.
Charlie
Charlie
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Have the shop check the tension of the spokes. Spoke breakage is common in wheels that have spokes that are too loose.
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Yup. Production bikes generally have machine-built wheels. They generally ship true, but not well tensioned. Your Specialized may have had its wheels properly tensioned as part of the shop prep. My guess is the Trek did not.
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Thanks, I've dropped 52lbs so far.
I know my Specialized had the spokes tensioned, I watched the guy do it. He thought it was a good idea. That was at a different shop. But that bike also have suspension fork, suspension seat, bigger tires. The trek is all fixed and thin tires.
When I took the bike into the shop for the last broken spoke I talked to the tech about adding tension to the spokes and he said he didn't believe in that theory. He said he had a friend at the olympic training center that did tests on larger riders (they have 350lbers at the olympic training center? ) and found that higher spoke tension was not as good as some thought.
Wondering if I need a stronger wheel or just a better adjusted wheel.
I know my Specialized had the spokes tensioned, I watched the guy do it. He thought it was a good idea. That was at a different shop. But that bike also have suspension fork, suspension seat, bigger tires. The trek is all fixed and thin tires.
When I took the bike into the shop for the last broken spoke I talked to the tech about adding tension to the spokes and he said he didn't believe in that theory. He said he had a friend at the olympic training center that did tests on larger riders (they have 350lbers at the olympic training center? ) and found that higher spoke tension was not as good as some thought.
Wondering if I need a stronger wheel or just a better adjusted wheel.
Last edited by Jarrett2; 07-03-13 at 08:19 AM.
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Thanks, I've dropped 52lbs so far.
I know my Specialized had the spokes tensioned, I watched the guy do it. He thought it was a good idea. That was at a different shop. But that bike also have suspension fork, suspension seat, bigger tires. The trek is all fixed and thin tires.
When I took the bike into the shop for the last broken spoke I talked to the tech about adding tension to the spokes and he said he didn't believe in that theory. He said he had a friend at the olympic training center that did tests on larger riders (they have 350lbers at the olympic training center? ) and found that higher spoke tension was not as good as some thought.
Wondering if I need a stronger wheel or just a better adjusted wheel.
I know my Specialized had the spokes tensioned, I watched the guy do it. He thought it was a good idea. That was at a different shop. But that bike also have suspension fork, suspension seat, bigger tires. The trek is all fixed and thin tires.
When I took the bike into the shop for the last broken spoke I talked to the tech about adding tension to the spokes and he said he didn't believe in that theory. He said he had a friend at the olympic training center that did tests on larger riders (they have 350lbers at the olympic training center? ) and found that higher spoke tension was not as good as some thought.
Wondering if I need a stronger wheel or just a better adjusted wheel.
The tension doesn't have to be crazy high. It does need to be even, and my experience is that if it is even and appropriate (highest on drive side rear) your odds are lowest for issues. Yes, it is possible that the wheels can't take your weight or riding style (especially if low spoke count). But it is also likely that riding a wheel that is proven to break spokes without adjusting wheel tension will ruin the wheels. Once a single spoke is broken the first thing good wheel mechs do is check the tension across the board. What made the first spoke break is not fixed by replacing the spoke.
Oh, and great news on the weight. Hopefully we can get the wheel issue addressed so you can keep it up.
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I had a problem like that on my hybrid some years back. At the time, I was about 250 - 255. With two spokes broken in just over 100, it is likely to continue, especially at your weight. In my case, the shop replaced all the spokes and rebuilt the wheel, and I never had a problem with broken spokes again. You could ask them to do that, and they should do it. Alternately, get a new, higher spoke count rear wheel, either 36 or even 40 spoke wheels. Honestly, the bike shop probably should have addressed this issue before you bought the bike.
#11
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Which side? NDS?
Are the spokes breaking in the bend?
IF so, that points to the spokes not being properly tensioned.
How many spokes on the wheel?
Are the spokes breaking in the bend?
IF so, that points to the spokes not being properly tensioned.
How many spokes on the wheel?
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There was no talk of wheel issues before the purchase. I think I asked if the narrow tires would be ok and they said yeah.
#14
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I would expect a new, properly tensioned, properly spoked, rear wheel - under warranty. And, if you paid for prior spoke replacement, I would want that reimbursed.
Once you asked about the durability/wheel issues, they accepted responsibility to sell you a proper vehicle.
MHO
Once you asked about the durability/wheel issues, they accepted responsibility to sell you a proper vehicle.
MHO
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Not tires, wheels. Anyway, it isn't your fault. They are supposedly the professionals. When I had the broken spoke issue at 250 lbs, the bike shop guys mentioned the thing about machine built wheels. Once spokes start breaking, the wheel may be compromised. That is why at this point, you may need the entire wheel rebuilt. The bike shop guys probably don't like this as it is time consuming, but they should stand behind their product if they want to keep you as a customer.
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I just called them and they said they have a wheel and will try to get it installed under warranty today. Going to take it up there about 1:30pm.
The reason I hesitate on pushing for free fix is I think the weight limit on these bikes is 300lbs. I'm 48 over that.
The reason I hesitate on pushing for free fix is I think the weight limit on these bikes is 300lbs. I'm 48 over that.
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...so I looked it up. Assuming it's a current FX 7.2, those are 32 spoke, 3-cross, and the tires are 35s. They were right -- the "skinny" tires are not an issue, and the wheels have a decent chance of being issue-free, if they are properly tensioned and bedded in. Unfortunately, as you describe it they are not, and the shop continues to refuse to do that.
THis is a warranty issue -- sounds like they didn't prep the bike properly for you, and are continuing to not do it by not tensioning the wheel because of the mech's theory (ugh). I wouldn't pay them for fixing it; I'd ask for a manager and tell him or her that you want your wheel issues fixed instead of constant run around and up charging. I would let them offer a trade-up to a higher count wheel (36 or 40), or rebuild the wheel (not just true it -- at this point I'd ask for a rebuild).
As a final point, these guys may not know enough about wheels for heavy guys. Wheelbuilding is an art, and it's amazing how many shop mechs don't know what they are doing. This may turn into something where it makes sense to walk away with some settlement (maybe a credit) and get a new wheel from someone who knows what he's doing.
BTW, which spokes are breaking? Rear only? Drive side or non?
THis is a warranty issue -- sounds like they didn't prep the bike properly for you, and are continuing to not do it by not tensioning the wheel because of the mech's theory (ugh). I wouldn't pay them for fixing it; I'd ask for a manager and tell him or her that you want your wheel issues fixed instead of constant run around and up charging. I would let them offer a trade-up to a higher count wheel (36 or 40), or rebuild the wheel (not just true it -- at this point I'd ask for a rebuild).
As a final point, these guys may not know enough about wheels for heavy guys. Wheelbuilding is an art, and it's amazing how many shop mechs don't know what they are doing. This may turn into something where it makes sense to walk away with some settlement (maybe a credit) and get a new wheel from someone who knows what he's doing.
BTW, which spokes are breaking? Rear only? Drive side or non?
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Oh, good. our posts crossed. Make sure you ask if these are evenly hand-tensioned.
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A "hybrid" is designed for light-off road use. (Gravel roads, small bumps, etc.) A wheel that is made to hold 300 lbs for light off-road use should easily be able to handle 350 or more on a paved street.
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Once again, since you asked about it before buying the bike, it's their problem. The worst that should happen is that they take the bike back and refund your money. If that happens go to the shop that sold you the Specialized and tensioned the wheels...
#21
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I had the same problem with my 7.2 FX. After about six broken spokes I got tired of chasing the problem and had the wheel professionally rebuilt for a hundred bucks. It was money well spent. BTW, I ditched the spring loaded seat post too. Those two fixes made it a great bike.
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Thanks for all the info. Both spokes where on the rear wheel, but I didn't check sides. The first one was only loose but in place with no tension. Like it pushed into the wheel. This time the spoke was out of the wheel and flopping around. I bent it back into the center of the wheel so I could finish the ride without it getting into the chain/gear. Maybe that answers the which side question?
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FWIW, I had a similar experience breaking spokes last year on a bike I ordered over the Internet (I was about 270 pounds or so then). I was just starting bike commuting and didn't have any experience with anything. I got a recommendation from a friend for a good wheelbuilder in town, who rebuilt my rear wheel with new spokes for less than $100. I have gone over 1500 miles on that wheel since, with no problems (even though I ride with loaded panniers on potholed streets). A good wheelbuilder rebuilding a wheel with quality replacement spokes should solve most problems of this sort. It sounds like you may already have found a solution, but I thought I would post this in case others were in a similar situation.