Podagrower

So, today was a good day for a ride. Miles, miles, miles. All we need are miles. The temp and humidity are both still bearable (and that will soon change here in FL), so it's time to get the miles in. I wanted to ride about 30 miles, with no real destination in mind, just turn the pedals.

I started with a ride to the mailbox, to get yesterday's mail, planning to just take it with me. But then I realized both my sunglasses and helmet were at the house, so I rode back to get them. When I got off the bike, I heard a strange sound, like a metal spring. I thought I had just caught the kickstand with my shoe, and dismissed the noise. So, I set out again, taking a nice quiet ride thru the country on a terrible road (I will skip that one next time). When I finally got back to some decent pavement, I thought the bike felt terrible, looked down and realized the back wheel was way out of true. I could have stopped to true it, but figured I'd just ride it out.

When I got to the main road in the next town, I saw a single rider followed by a couple on a tandem, and since I love a challenge, I had to catch up. They were stopping for a rest a little before my turn off, so I stopped to chat-the couple is on a tour of Florida and the guy was riding with them back to his house where they were staying overnight. We had a nice chat, and one of them mentioned the wobble I had-asking if I had a broken spoke-of course I don't I said, or do I? So 30 seconds later, we find the broken spoke on the drive side (of course) of the rear wheel.

So, the wheels from the spare bike will get shuffled to the prime bike, the wheels from the prime bike will go to the shop to get trued and tensioned, and I'll rotate thru all 6 wheels at the house to get everything trued up (yeah).

On the other hand-one of the local bike shops is having a spring cleaning sale with huge mark downs on the really expensive bikes, maybe it's a sign.

Bill Kapaun

As they say, one broken spoke is bad luck. Two is a trend.
It might be time for all new spokes?

ozziejones

I've broken a few so far before getting the new bike. I hate the sound.

JimF22003

I broke a spoke on Saturday, and had to ride back on the wheel 40 miles.

I decided it was a good excuse to buy a new set of wheels

Podagrower

So, Monday and Tuesday were no ride days waiting for wheel repairs. I decided to take them all to the LBS, rather than replacing the spoke myself, and worrying about tension and truing. Work, work, work, which makes today the first day back in the saddle. Not a great day for a ride with threatening skies all around, but it was timing wise the right day to get in some miles. Just figured I'd leave the house, and see how far I felt like going. Then at 14 miles, a familiar sound issued forth from behind me, and the handling got a little funny. (Now before we bash the bike shop, the mechanic said, and showed me, that the wheel is bent, not round any more. It's not terrible, but it means I know why it felt like the wheel wasn't round.) So, I decide it's a great time to turn and go home (a little bummed about not getting 30 miles), but decide discretion is the better part of valor. 2 miles later, another ping, and the handling becomes almost cartoon like. Anything over 10 MPH causes the bike to shake so bad I can't see anything in the bar end mirror (rear brakes disconnected), and I can see the rear wheel swaying back and forth. So, I did make it home and I do have a matching wheel from the backup bike to use, but it looks like this Clyde is going to be in the wheel market shortly.

PhotoJoe 

I agree with Bill. It's time for all new spokes. And wouldn't you know it, all those shiny new bikes that are on sale come with BRAND NEW SPOKES! Problem solved. Post pix when you get both new bikes home! Can't wait to see them!

Podagrower

So, I have been following the progress of the tandem touring couple I met last weekend on their blog, and one of the things they've said is that no 2 days of cycling are the same, and the last 2 days have proved it for me. After joining team broken spoke again yesterday, I was left with little choice but to mount up the spare wheel if I was going out today. Which meant a quick repack of the bearings was in order. When I slid the axle in, I noticed a wobble, and realized that the axle was bent. So, I think that when I started bearing maintenance, I accidentally swapped the axles between the two wheels, as the odds of having two wheels, one bent, and the other with a bent axle are pretty extreme, whereas having one bike damaged bad enough to bend the axle and bend the wheel at the same time makes more sense. So, while I now officially do not have a backup bike, I do have one that doesn't vibrate or wobble, and shifts much better.