Replacing a broken spoke is an easy repair to make on your own, you just need the same spoke size as the one that broke. You must be careful to get the same gauge and length spoke. To do this, you should keep the broken spoke and take it into the bike shop with you when you get the replacement spoke. *Remove the wheel from the bike, take off the tire and tube, and peel back the rim tape. Locate the offending spoke and unscrew it from the nipple. Most new spokes come with a new nipple to use in the repair. *Place the new nipple in place, and remove the broken spoke. Run the new spoke thru the hub flange in the same direction as the old spoke. *Pull the new spoke thru the flange until the curved end is seated, then weave it thru the other spokes following a similar pattern as the old spoke. *Apply a liittle bit of oil to the nipple, and then thread in the new spoke. Tighten it with the correct size spoke wrench. *Replace the rim tape, tube, tire and then put the wheel back on the bike. You may want to then "true" the wheel and maybe check for any other loose spokes, and tighten them as needed. |
