How to Replace a Broken Spoke
Demonstrates a single spoke removal and installation.
If you break a spoke on your wheel, the best thing to do is stop riding until you can get it repaired. However, sometimes you simply have to keep riding, in which case you can keep the broken spoke out of the way by twisting it around an adjacent spoke.
Spoke Removal
To replace the damaged spoke, first remove your wheel and then the tire, tube and rim tape. Then remove both ends of the damaged spoke and nipple. Spokes usually break either at the nipple or at the hub flange. If it’s a rear wheel, you’ll have to remove the cassette or freewheel first.
Spoke Installation
Insert the new spoke and gently flex it into place, using the other spokes as a guide. When installed properly, the spoke pattern should be consistent all the way around the wheel.
I personally recommend using linseed oil to lubricate the nipple threads before threading the nipple on to the spoke using a screwdriver or nipple driver.
Gently pre-bend the new spoke by pushing down on it at the hub flange, and then tighten the nipple using a spoke wrench until it has the same tension as the rest of the wheel. Check this by plucking the middle of the other spokes on the same side and then compare them to the sound of the new spoke. Now you can true the wheel as demonstrated in the last tutorial, and re-install your rim tape and tire.
Related Links
- Bike Hacks: 7 DIY Truing Stands
- Jim Langley: Wheelbuilding
- Park Tool: Wheel and Rim Truing
- Park Tool: Wheel Tension Measurement
- Sheldon Brown: Truing Wheels
- Bicycle Torque Specifications
Related Tools
- Park Tool SW Spoke Wrenches
- Park Tool SW-7 Triple Spoke Wrench
- Park Tool SBC-1 Spoke, Bearing, and Cotter Gauge
- Park Tool TM-1 Spoke Tension Meter
- Park Tool TS-8 Home Truing Stand
- Park Tool TS-2.2 Home Truing Stand
Categories
Discuss this topic in the Bicycle Repairs and Mechanics Forum
Road bike brakes upgrades
Lastest post 5 hours agoHello everyone im looking to upgrade my brakes on a project bike that I'm doing, it currently has traditional lock bolt brake calipers can you upgrade to new style and how to do so? Kris....
Read moreHELP! Bought Schwinn bike by mail and came with rear wheel off and derailleur twisted
Lastest post 2 weeks agoI bought a Schwinn Signature Sport Hybrid 21 Speed by mail (first mistake) and it came with the rear wheel off and derailleur off with the chain twisted with 2 loops. The derailleur is inside out and I have tried everything to untwist this thing with no luck. I can't find a "master link" in the chain anywhere. Any ideas or help would be appreciated. Supposed to be a Christmas present. &n...
Read moreMethods to find punctures in an inner tube ?
Lastest post 2 weeks agoHello ) I was wondering if any of you also fill up your bathtub or a large bucket with water in order to look for a leak in a flat inner tube? That's how I do it ... other methods our there? Holiday greetings...
Read moreBrake pads and metallic pieces
Lastest post 1 month agoCiao. Is it normal to have small metallic pieces stuck within brake pads? How do they appear there? Is it from the rims and braking or did I get them from "the street"?...
Read moreBike is Creaking on the left side during the downstroke
Lastest post 1 month agoAs the title states, what feels like my pedal is creaking when Im on the downstroke on my left side. I say my pedal but based on what I have diagnosed so far I’m not sure if that’s it? I can feel the creak happening in my pedal though. I’ve looked into this and done a few preliminary things to see what could possibly be the problem. So far what I have done is: Removed the pedal, regreas...
Read moreDeep paint scratch or frame crack?
Lastest post 1 month agoHi, everyone! I'd like to ask you about your opinion on whether or not this is just a deep scratch (scuff?) on the paint or a crack on the frame of my aluminium road bike (please see photos below). For context, the area shown on the photos would be the seat tube, right about where it is joined by the seat stays. I already did the "coin soundcheck" test to help me diagnose the problem but I'm still...
Read moreGears slipping
Lastest post 2 months agoI recently changed the cassette on my MTB and ever since doing so the gears seem to be slipping when I put the power down how do any of you suggest adjusting it it changes perfectly and peddles fine until I really try to lay it down on the trials thanks in advance Alan 👍...
Read moreGravity Bike Crank
Lastest post 2 months agoHello Everyone, I have a Gravity road bike and I don't know what type of crank remover will work on my bike? There is an Allen type of bolt that I can take off fairly easily, but inside there looks to be a spline type nut. Lately every revolution of the pedals I can hear a clicking sound and it seems to be coming from inside the crank and I wanted to see if there is any lubricant in there? I ap...
Read moreDisk Brake Spacers
Lastest post 2 months agoGood morning! I purchased a new mountain bike a few weeks ago and picked up a frame adapter so I could put it on my trunk rack. The problem is that the front wheel is really low. A hitch mount is in the future but for now I figured I would just remove the wheel. My question is whether I should pick up a disk spacer or could I just use a chunk of cardboard? Not traveling all that far but don't wan...
Read moreHelp.. Rear derailleur wrong position?
Lastest post 2 months agoI've tried searching for YouTube assistance but to no avail. Cycled to the shops this morning and the gears weren't functioning, had a look and something has gone horribly wrong. It's as though the chain is suddenly inches longer than it should be and it isn't holding any tension unless the derailleur sits all the way back (image attached) almost so the chain is touching itself as it travels throu...
Read moreShimano tourney
Lastest post 2 months agoMy Apollo feud rear gear set was trashed when the bike was loaned ,the click on lock on was damaged how can I fix it please so I can be mobile again.thank you...
Read moreRemoving Front Derailleur on a 3x?
Lastest post 2 months agoI'm a newbie but I'm planning to remove the front derailleur off of my 3x8 GT Agressor Pro. Could I get some pros and cons of doing this and what I should next if I remove it? Thanks ...
Read more3speed hub problem
Lastest post 2 months agohi. i sometimes have a weird grinding sound but this only happens in shift 1 and never in 2 or 3 and most of the time it happens when after a traffic light stop. 1/9 of the time orso. but quickly goes back to the normal sound after i stop pedalling and pedal again. my question is: do you think its a planetairy gear problem inside the hub . i need a cone wrench to open the hub to look tomorow. ...
Read moreOld STX-RC 7 speed upgrade compatibility
Lastest post 2 months agoHi Folks, I hope someone on here will be able to give me a steer. I'm trying to upgrade my wifes old Marin Bear Valley SE (1995) but I'm really struggling to work out what Shimano replacement parts I need. The current spec is:- https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?item=32407 Crankset Shimano STX-RC, 22/32/42 teeth - ideally I'll replace the chainrings Cassette Shimano 7-speed, 11 - 2...
Read moreWeird brake hose
Lastest post 2 months agoHi I bought these SRAM force 1 brakes and they seem to be really unusual. Has anybody ever seen a hose like this? I need to shorten it to run it through the frame but I'm baffled by these hose ends. These were sold as "pre-bled", which I didn't notice until I had them. How can I shorten these hose ends? IMG-2735.jpg (Size: 54.74 KB / Downloads: 41) IMG-2736.jpg (Si...
Read more