kmsoars

I went through spokes on my original Alexrims to force me to get some new ones. I did my research for tall people (I'm 6'5" 228 lbs.), and the Shimano 6600s were the recommended rims for big guys like me. I did 3 rides in excess of 40 miles with no problems at all. Today I went 60 miles and when I got back several spokes were loose enough to start the wheel moving out of trim. Did I get the right wheels, and what can I do about this problem? I am getting a spoke tool today to try to tighten them up as I want to get out and ride again tomorrow. Very frustrating!

prathmann

Careful with the use of the spoke wrench if you're not familiar with the process of truing wheels. It's easy to mess things up if you just start tightening the loose spokes without watching how it affects the trueness of the rim.

Usually when spokes start to loosen it's an indication that they didn't have enough tension to start with. The weight of the bike/rider reduces the tension in the few spokes near the bottom of the wheel. If the tension is too low, then they might get almost completely slack and this lets the nipple turn easily and loosen them further. Putting linseed oil or other spoke prep solution on the threads also helps prevent them from loosening.

SBinNYC

Spokes loosening within 200 miles of a wheel build usually indicates a poorly built wheel. The most likely culprits are insufficient tension and not stress relieving the spokes. Bring the wheel back to whoever built it. If it's an LBS ask for a loner wheel, if he cannot give you a quick enough turnaround.

Once spokes loosen to the extent you described, the best procedure is to loosen all spokes and start rebuilding the wheel from scratch. Wheel building is predicated on the principle that all similar function spokes are identical and should be tightened the same amount. There are always manufacturing tolerances, that's where truing comes into play. With some spokes having loosened an unknown amount, it's best to start over.

tacomee

The last word on bikes and wheels is.....adjustment. It's possible to buy wheels and bikes on the internet for cheaper than a local shop.....but they wouldn't be *professionally adjusted*. Limit screws, cable tension, headset tightness, spoke tension, ect.... good shops check all of this. It costs money but it's well worth having the pros lokk after your investment.

Go to a good shop and have the job done right.

Carbonfiberboy 

I'd never use that wheel builder again. That's ridiculous. You must not have built it or you'd have a spoke wrench. My advice is to buy a Park spoke tension meter:
https://www.parktool.com/products/det...t=16&item=TM-1

along with your spoke wrench and learn how to use them both. I never rely on a wheel built by someone else, I don't care who they are. I either build my own or check the work of others with the tension meter.

LeeG

You got a wheel that was assembled but not trued. If you bought the wheel at a shop take it back and have them go over it.

kmsoars

Thanks all. I just took the new rims out of the box, applied the rim tape, slapped on the tires. It looked pretty true when I put the set on and off I went. I did purchase a spoke tool and tightened everything up. Went 58 miles Sat and then 53 on Sunday. Worked like a charm. I made minor turns all the way around and it straightened up neat. Someday I will take on building wheels from the ground up, so thanks again for all the advice. This is truly a great site!