MePoocho

Hey Folks,

I have 850 miles on my road bike. Cleaning the chain today I noticed 'One' broken spoke on the rear wheel. The bike is a GMC Denali (please don't rag on me I'm trying to get back into road riding), it is a large frame, 7sp FW, 700c-32 tires. I am large 240lb, 6'2" and ride 15.5 miles 5 days a week. I'm doing good and really loving it.

After I had some miles on the bike I checked wheels and tweaked the spokes slightly, still keeping the wheels true. Later I recheck and all was well. I guess the spokes seated in.

My question is,,, can I live with one broken spoke for a while? And can anyone give me a recommendation for a replacement rear wheel. I think this will do it..

Wm Weiman 700c, Hybrid/Comfort Rear wheel. Msw, 36H, FW 5,6,7sp, Bolt On. Product Description: 700, RR,. B/O 3/8, Blk MSW, WEIZAC 19. ( I can't attach the link 'cause I'm a newbie.)

Advise would be most welcome.... (other than tossing the POS Denali)

Thanks....

cyccommute 

Well, there's your problem! (Couldn't resist) But, seriously...

That is your problem. Denali's have machine built wheels that need to be tension properly before you ride it. Unfortunately, Helmart doesn't want to spend the extra money on paying someone to actually put the bikes together properly. And your bike just isn't meant to be ridden all that much.

It's not impossible to fix the issue properly. First, you should replace the broken spoke. The other spokes are now doing more work then they should and they are too loose to begin with. They will start to fail as well. You should be able to unthread the broken spoke, measure it from what used to be the bend and replace it with a new one. You'll need to remove the freewheel which isn't difficult but you'll need the tool for it.

You should tension the wheel as well. There are how to's on YouTube, I'm sure. You might have a local bike shop do it (if you are near one) or see if there is a co-op near.

FBinNY 

+1

A single broken spoke is no big deal, and very common on lower end bikes. Compound the low initial quality with your weight and the miles you've ridden and you shouldn't be surprised.

Measuring and replacing a spoke is easy enough, and retruing/retentioning the wheel would be part of that job.

Now make a note of when you replaced the spoke, and that it was at 850 miles. That's important because the interval between spokes breaking usually shrinks. So you may expect the next break within 850 miles, though that's not assured, and progressively shorter intervals. At some point it'll be obvious, that a new wheel is a smarter move than putting more into this one. Typically that's at 3 spokes or so, but really depends on the intervals, and whether you're doing the work or paying for it.

MePoocho

cyccomute & FBinNY,,

Thanks guys for the good replies. All good advise. Sorry not to have responded sooner, but we live is south Florida on the East coast. Needless to say I've been 'kinda' consumed in Irma Storm preparations.

Yes, you both are correct the Denali is not a serious road weapon and I am quite large. But having not ridden a road bike since my 1978 Schwinn leTour 21" frame bike I opted for an inexpensive entry level road bike to see if I'm truly committed to getting back into the ride.

I ordered it through Amazon for $195 +shipping free. During assembly I repacked the front and rear wheel bearings. Set the bearing cone preload properly. Adjusted both derailleurs, which were poorly set up. Spent about 30 minutes removing all the gaudy stickers off the frame tubes and reflectors off the wheels. Did a 10 mile easy ride then tightened the spokes. I was surprised how loose they were.

Next a few 'upgrades'.... Cont. Gator Skin tires. Good tubes. Nice seat and seat post. Ball bearing pedals. Handle bar computer. Bench mount maintenance stand (can't work on my knees).

The bike is definitely not a $1400, $1000, $800, or even a $400 bike. I am happy for now with it and I've got approximately $375 invested. It will provide me a vehicle to see if I'm gonna bite the hook for something better in the future. Plus the large 700c Large Frame Denali fits my size.

Eventually I'll replace the wheels, but otherwise I'll continue to do my five day a week regiment. Hopefully increasing the 15.5 mile present ride.

Thank you both for the very good comments. Remember some of us do not strive to look like a French/Italian skinny road rider with their seat post 24 inches in the air and handle bars bottomed out on the steering stem and ridding with their noses about an inch above the front tire...... heh, heh.

gsa103

That goes a long way to getting reasonable lifespan from that bike. The components all have limitations, but properly setup they work reasonably well. A cheap new wheel may not be much better than original wheel, since most issues are due to build quality (really lack of).
It sounds like you're comfortable with bikes, so fix the one you've got, and maybe when the 3rd or 4th spoke goes you'll either buy or a new wheel, or you may decide it's time for a new bike. Some around here will probably advise that you go for a custom 36h wheel. That's certainly ideal, but worth more than you bike (kinda like buying racing rims for a 20yr Honda Accord).

You should also check out the "Clydesdale" section of the forums. Lots of advice for larger riders just getting back into things, and plenty of encouragement.

mightymax

I have a large frame Denali I bought about 5 or so years ago when when I needed a bike quick and cheap, due to my circumstances at the time. I am 6' 3" and 245. I assembled the bike myself as it is something I am familiar with. I had to tighten some things and loosen the headset as it was over tightened from the factory. I did nothing to the wheels. I rode that bike at least 6 thousand miles and I still have it. I was gonna sell it but kept it as a backup bike and even upgraded to a sealed bottom bracket to eliminate the bearing click it developed. I have not ridden it in about 2 years because I have other "better" bikes now. it has a broken rear spoke which is why it was garaged. Over the 6 thousand I put on it I have had broken spokes repaired 3 times. My bike mechanic tells me he cannot do it anymore due to the spokes are gonna pull through the holes at this point.
So my advice is get it fixed and ride the heck out of it. If you decide to keep with it start looking for replacement rims now...

Cheers
Max Bryant

MePoocho

gsa103, mightymax,

You guys are correct. Keep the Denali safe and rolling for now. Heck, I will never need a composite or super light bike. Actually, I really like and enjoy the Denali's large frame. It fits my 6'2" hulk and is comfortable. Sure it is heavy, but the frame is built like a tank and should hold up for sometime.

So, over a period of time I'll probably just keep upgrading things on the frame. It'll sure keep my wife happier than me spending a large chunk of $$ all at once. (Gotta keep that girl calm.)

Thanks for the input.......