Repair guides › Wheels & Tires
Replace a broken spoke
The rim, spokes and nipples that hold the hub in the middle. Most adult bikes have double-wall alloy rims. Spokes are under tension; each pulls the rim toward its side of the hub. Turning a nipple changes tension and moves that part of the rim sideways (true) or up/down (round). Internal rim width sets which tire widths fit well.
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Tools
- Tire levers: Pedro's Tire Levers 2.0 ($)
- Digital calipers: Clockwise Tools DCLR-0605 IP54 Digital Caliper ($$)
- Cassette lockring tool: Park Tool FR-5.2 ($)
- Chain whip: Park Tool SR-12.2 Sprocket Remover ($$)
- 12" adjustable wrench: Crescent 12 inch adjustable wrench ($)
- Spoke wrench: Park Tool SW-7.2 ($)
- Spoke ruler + bearing gauge: Park Tool SBC-1 spoke bearing and cotter gauge ($)
Compare Good, Better and Best for each tool
Steps
- Measure an unbroken spoke on the same side (calipers or ruler), or bring the broken pieces to a shop.
- Remove the tire and tube. Drive-side rear spokes need the cassette removed first.
- Thread the new spoke through the hub in the same direction as its neighbors, weave it the same over/under pattern, and thread on the nipple.
- Tension to match its neighbors by squeezing; true the wheel.
Diagram
Looking down from aboveWheel rim
Signs it needs doing
- Wobble you can see at the brake/frame
- Ping from loose or broken spoke
- Rim rubs the frame