It is not uncommon for the spokes on the wheels of your bicycles to loosen when in transit. This is an unfortunate eventuality that you do not want to befall you at any cost. It is an issue you can only remedy by knowing how to tighten spokes.
How else can you proceed forward without the necessary guidance to that end? We prepare this article to help with that. In our discussions here below, we are going to take you through a step-by-step procedure of how to go about the issue. Then, we shall examine some of the frequently asked questions surrounding the issue.
How To Tighten Spokes On Bicycle – Step By Step
Follow the procedures below to tighten the spokes on the wheels of your bikes:
Step 1: Deflate the tires
Before you start, you have to deflate the tires. That is because there is always the possibility of punching a hole on the tube of the wheels to cause a flat tire. Alternatively, you may also get the tube out of the rim completely so that you can impact the spokes separately and independently. To do this, simply open the nozzle that seals off the tube to let the air out.
Step 2: Obtain the necessary tools-of-trade
Next, you have to obtain the necessary tools-of-trade for the job. The spoke wrench is by far the most significant tool for this job as it forms the core of the tightening exercise. Ensure that the dimensions of that wrench are the same as that of the nipples of your spoke.
This may require that you map out the dimensions of both the nipple of your bike and the wrench you intend to use. See to it that the two, match as nearly as can be before proceeding to make use of the same. Needless to say, the wrench you have in mind has to be tough enough for the job as well.
Step 3: Straighten the rim of the bike
Before you may even think of tightening the spokes, you should first and foremost straighten the rim. With continued and repeated use, there is usually the danger of some portions of the rim bending or warping out of shape. This is not a good thing as it impedes the free movements of the bike and your own safety.
Place the jaws of the adjustable wrench on either side of the rim. Move this wrench smoothly and slowly while at the same time taking note of how it behaves in the process. Make haste to revert the bent portions of the rim in line with the rest of the diameter before proceeding.
Step 4: Measure the Diameter of the Spoke
Get to the core of the business now. Start it out by measuring the diameter of the spoke of the wheel you have at hand. This is to find out the level of tension that your spoke requires. Use the Park TM-1 tension meter to accomplish this onerous task.
The meter also finds out the sizes of the slots that adorn the spokes. To employ it for this particular role, you will have to employ a great deal of skill, keenness, and attentiveness to detail. Pay particular attention to the various diameters if your spoke has numerous slots.
Step 5: Determine the relevant Spoke Tension
Having marked out the diameters of the spokes, you now have to translate that to the relevant level of tension. To determine the relevant spoke tension, use the conversion chart that comes along or is accompanied by the tension meter. Identify the location of the spoke diameter then find the corresponding tension.
On the whole, the spoke tensions vary greatly depending mainly on the kinds of rims you have. Larger rims, generally, require less tension whereas those that are too heavy will often demand excess tension. In case you are uncertain of the level of tension that is desirous for you, check out your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Step 6: Measure the Present Spoke Tension
Move a step further now to measure the present spoke tension. Hold your tension meter in the horizontal position. Squeeze its handle and then place the spoke in between posts. Thereafter, release the handle and check the reading in the scale of the meter.
You may, if you so wish, cross-reference this reading with the conversion chart to ascertain the amount of force you might need for the job. Proceed to measure all the spokes on your wheel one at a time. It is imperative that they bear the same level of tension on average.
Step 7: Vary the tension appropriately
Conclude the exercise by varying the tension on the spokes accordingly. If the tension is higher than normal or is necessary, reduce the same. If on the other hand, the tension is less than required, increase the same.
To increase the tension, turn on all spokes in the whole wheel quarter-way in the counterclockwise direction, and then take the necessary measurements. Repeat this procedure several times until your tension is within the desired range all way round. Thereafter, skip the two nipples and then tighten the third one. Adhere to this pattern all throughout.
Step 8: Test the System
After you are through with the procedures we have stipulated above, you should test the system to see to it that it is both firm and tight. To do this, place the tire tube back to the rim and then inflate it. Then attempt to take a ride with the tires on.
Carry out all forms of maneuvers like acceleration, deceleration, turns, and other vital procedures. Take note of the way in which the wheels respond to these maneuvers. Follow this by taking the necessary remedial steps to make the tension line up with your expectations.
When all is said and done, make any further repairs to the bike like sealing off the punctures and replacing some worn-out components. This may require that you bring in the interventions of qualified technicians as the procedures are generally too complicated for a simple bike owner.
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FAQs
Having examined to tighten spokes, we now want to answer some of the questions that are frequently asked:
Q1. How tight should spokes be?
There is no standard metric or figure for tightness. Nonetheless, there are a number of factors that determine the desired degree of tightness. These are:
Weight of the Bike
The weight of the bike is by far the most significant determinant of the degree of tension. Heaver bikes generally demand greater tension than their lighter counterparts. That is to remain steadfast and operational all the while of use.
Size of Rims
The converse is true for the sizes of rims. Larger rims, as we have already explained above, demand limited tension. They have the ability to dissipate the stress uniformly while at the same time bearing your weight and that of the load perfectly.
Q2. Do I need to tighten my spokes?
YES, you need to! When the spokes are left too loose, they have the tendency to pluck off the wheels at high speeds. Many dangers are likely to arise with this. For one, the spokes might injure those who are in the same area as the bike at that time.
Other than that, they also have the tendency to shake your bike rapidly as to deny you the stability and confidence you need to soldier on with peace. Tighter spokes are also able to scale faster speeds than their ordinarily loose counterparts. This is besides demanding limited effort on your part.
Q3. Spoke won’t tighten what to do?
If the spoke won’t tighten, that could be indicative of a strip in the thread of the brass nipple. You have two options to explore in the event of such an eventuality. They are:
Repair the Spoke
First and foremost, try to repair the spoke. This requires that you dismantle the spoke, identify the root cause of the issue, and then take the necessary remedial actions.
Replace the Spoke
If the issue is beyond redemption, you may consider replacing the spoke altogether. That, of course, demands that you bring in a brand new spoke altogether and slot in the stead of the existing one.
Q4. How to tighten bike spokes without a spoke wrench?
As you may already have realized, we recommended the use of the spoke wrench extensively for the purpose of tightening the bike spokes. Chances are though that you might never have the appliance. There is still no cause for alarm as it is still possible for you to accomplish that end without the wrench.
Use some closely related tools like the spanner, the torque wrench, and of course, the pliers. The precise procedures will nonetheless vary as these tools come in shapes and configurations that are markedly different from that of the spoke wrench.
Q5. Can you tighten spokes with pliers?
YES, it is possible! However, its configuration is markedly different from the shape of the bike’s spoke. That calls for you to exercise great caution and expertise while attempting to pair the two together. Be sure that you slot the pliers in the designated holes tightly before setting them out.
Then, you should turn the pliers slowly and steadily until you get it right. Rushing may, in fact, pose some damages to the various parts of the bike. Many studies have also indicated that the pliers do not tighten well. You hence have to re-tighten every now and then to maintain the desired tension.
Final Words
Our look into how to tighten spokes comes to an end there. We are now confident that you have the expertise you need to repair your bike without invoking the intervention of a third party. With that, the only thing we can now ask is for you to proceed with haste and implement the same.
Because such a venture is ordinarily risky and delicate, we emphasize that you practice regularly even when you do not have such a problem. Carry out some mock repairs using the guidance above to gain such expertise. All the best from now going forward…
Last Updated: June 2, 2022
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