How to True (Straighten) a Bicycle Wheel

[@tonysuffolk]

Very well explained. Just one point. At he end of the process it's a good idea to squeeze pairs of spokes together with your fingers all around the wheel to remove any torsional tension in the spoke. Then check again that the wheel is true. If not, you may find the wheel goes out of true immediately you ride. Another small tip is to use bits of insulating tape to mark the spokes to be adjusted. Red for right side and blue for left side. That way, you will not forget which way to turn the spoke wrench.

[@ave5585]

Pip pip good tips

[@albertkennis]

Very good tutorial!

[@jasbarsoph]

Excellent tip👍

[@tonysuffolk]

@Ахрор Кабулов Hi, I don't know how to explain further. By squeezing spokes next to each other together it sometime makes a popping noise and seems to settle the spokes in. Sometimes after this process, a further readjustment is needed before the rim is straight.

[@RaphaelDawkinsCombatRadio]

Nice tips.

[@magetaaaaaa]

Had a bike in the garage with 2 flat tires, and a wheel so out of whack that I thought for sure the wheel frame must be bent. Walked it down to the gas station, filled up the tires, then came home and did this fix with an adjustable wrench. Just got back from a short ride and it seems to work great.

[@esqueue]

And I just did it today. It wasn't bad but now it is nearly perfect. I was guilty of just opening the brake pads.

[@GoodGuyReign]

Such a frustrating issue if you aren't sure what you are doing. This is by far one of the most informative and well thought out "bike maintenance" videos. I'll definitely be back for any future issues I run into if you have videos on them. Thanks!

[@angry_tardigrade]

I knew I would have to work with the nipples to true a wheel, but bike shop mechanics always kept me in the dark about doing it right, justifying their pay. This video helped me a lot. Thank you!

[@richdiscoveries]

Thank you very much for this. I have read up on how to do it, but I can't learn by reading, after watching you do it this is quite simple. I just trued the wheel on my bike I haven't ridden and well over a year. Thank you very much

[@hrhbucket4268]

I watched this video approx. 1 year ago. It was incredibly useful and effectively taught me the first steps in how to true wheels. Since then I must have true'ed about 50 wheels successfully. Thanks. much appreciated.

[@cjhoyle]

Awesome! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@duncanhopkins101]

This video guided me through the truing process from start to finish. The review of the "right hand rule" was a key to my success. My bike wheel is now true and I'm back on the road. Thank you.

[@Harry-uo2cr]

I feel like such a beast I just fixed my rim! Thanks!

[@markh12891]

Dear CJH, you have the gift of clarity of explanation. I don't care what the topic of instuctions is it's the empathy of addressing what you preempt as things which a novice (like me) might find confusing. Very impressive and clear instructions - thankyou.

[@jayblack5231]

I've been scared of doing this for literally years. Thank you for explaining this in a simple and clear way, I'm now picking up my spoke tensioning tool for the third time after throwing it across the room last week. Thanks!

[@HazBoz-ds8hr]

Jay Black 🤣🤣🤣

[@philrs9462]

I’ve watched several videos on this subject and the phrase “Lefty loosey. Righty tighty.” Is used in all of them. Thanks for explaining tightening the spoke. Means screwing the nipple closer towards the hub.

[@DanielMatan]

you are making the best bike tutorials! love it that your doing it on low end parts, makes me feel i can do it my self

[@midiboy3]

Thanks. I was surprised how little it took to true my slight wobble. I tightened a spoke a half turn, then loosened the opposite a half turn - not prefect, but not rubbing anymore. I need to go out and buy a spoke wrench as my needle nose pliers are far from ideal. Your video is an excellent refresher for those who forgot which direction tightens or loosens.

[@jeffriggs5174]

I learn alot from this video,Ive been turning the spokes the wrong way,all this time.Thanks for this video,very understandible.

[@brianwastle3760]

This was HUGELY helpful, especially compared with some of other KZbin clips that were either too simplistic (eg. "bash the wheel against a rock") or too expensive (eg. "buy a tuning stand and a separate gauge"). Thank you.

[@lilturk726]

Thanks for this video man, this has really helped a lot. Both tires on my bike, and a tire on each of my nieces bikes are bent, and my solution was to just loosen the brakes. I went and bought a set of spoke wrenches and I plan on spending a few hours next week truing the wheels on all of our bikes.

[@Gina-yi4em]

It is so simple. Just take your bike tire off, take five hours to find out what type of way to do that. Then losen everything, take off your bike tire off, find out what bike it is, understand how to take your bike tire off. Waste loads of time then find out how to losen your particular brakes, and tgen just tgrow tge bike away.

[@Riveraeon]

You really helped me out, I had a frustrating day eating it on the sidewalk today avoiding some pedestrians and thought me at a decent loss, thank you for this lesson that allows me to regain myself on my own.

[@albertosanchez5446]

Dude omg you just saved me from buying a new rim

[@DocwithaJ]

does this work for a rim thats REALLY jacked up?

[@stewartscott5560]

Elijah A sometimes if the rim is extremely jacked up then you won't be able to salvage the rim

[@jeffreymac4915]

My dumbass was about to buy a new bike 😂😂

[@keilyn928]

Jeffrey Mac 😂😂

[@kurtismckemmie4850]

No shit! I have like 8 rims that needs to be replaced. But this video just saved me well over $100

[@deans6571]

Just checked my kids bikes today and both wheels have this very same problem. Initially thought the wheels were damaged but after watching this video, realised that they may just need adjusting as per your explanation. Super helpful vid so thank you. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@calumgrant1]

Worked for me, thanks! I'm rubbish at bike maintenance. My bike is quite new and the spokes were very loose on receipt and my front wheel got VERY warped as a result. I also got away with an adjustable spanner.

[@Initech76]

Smartest, fastest & cheapest way to true (straighten) a rim. This is a huge help. Best how-to-video ever! Putting the hammer down & getting a spoke wrench. Thanks!

[@kodiward7730]

Cjhoyle your video is the most simple and best described video I could find , Thumbs up for me.

[@pixiedollie1139]

I watched three other video's on how to true the wheel of a bike and still could not understand how to do this task. You made it plain and to the point. You did not throw in other stuff and confuse me. Thank you so much my tires are now true.

[@51actual]

I have seen a few of your videos. I have learned some things from you. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. Please keep them coming.

[@angelbencebi5920]

Great illustration. I've been riding and fixing bikes since my youth and this is the first time I've come to learn how to straighten a rim. Thank you for the content. Good luck.!!!

[@cjhoyle]

No problem!

[@emmymade]

Thorough and informative - thank you.

[@tuliobenavidez9952]

Had no idea you was into bicycles besides cooking

[@hybridhalo1]

8 years ago

[@Felahliir]

The world's a small place

[@opusbg]

You are great, dude! Rarely have I watched such a crispy explanation of the solution to a problem.

[@victorvillarongoarce674]

Thank you CJ you always make sure a repair on a bike is easy and to the point thank you again for the valuable tips you have given me quite a lot of tips .I feel my bike repair mentor!!

[@Dan27.]

This is by far the most detailed, comprehensive and well executed video about truing wheels on KZbin! Good job man!!

[@craigdavies8657]

Thanks buddy. You taught me to do this myself in just minutes. Cheers for taking the time to explain it so clearly.

[@Zach_May]

I would happily recommend this video to anyone, I already had some spoke wrenches and knowledge on how to do this but this is such a through and informative video my rim is perfect! Keep putting out quality vids my man

[@cjhoyle]

Yes, quite an easy procedure once you understand the concept. It just can be time consuming, that's all. I'm glad you found my video helpful!

[@digiandom19]

You're a great teacher. Explained very well. Accommodating to all learning styles. Felt like I was in a bike class. Not only learned how to fix my problem, but learned terminology too. Thank you!!

[@VKozaMieSilata]

Respect for the videos man! Definitely huge help when I was building my own bicycle, always well explained! Keep up the good work if you got the time and energy :)

[@chefjeegar]

Thumbs Up! Kudos! You have made a video for bicycle lay man like me. Explained it so well I will never forget and in doing so you have trumped even the bicycle shop professionals who make videos. What they missed is that not everyone has garage full of lots of tools and bicycle stand and lost of accessories. With your explanation was able to fix my wheeel by ordering the nipple for £0.99 off ebay without having to amass other tools. Wish you good health and luc

[@ocalavictory9751]

Wow, I've seen more wobble on brand new rims than the one you trued. Great job, and thanks for posting the vid. : )

[@utubenick25]

Thank you for a clear easy to follow tutorial. As someone just taking up biking and wanting to do all the maintenance myself I appreciate it.

[@adamthebossdestiny7698]

thank you, my bike is really bent and I'm proud I found this

[@MrDisasterInc]

Excellent video, diy wheel truing demonstrated and explained vert well. I loved the white board diagram explanation, top notch. Thanks

[@prolitify]

Good video man, very informative

[@grahamlane131]

cracking video, great confidence booster, off to try it out, probably watching again as I go, ty.

[@familyfree2994]

prolitify God damn way too much info...

[@briancondron5864]

I appreciate all the important details. Thanks for solving the spoke tightening mystery for me.

[@cjhoyle]

As long as you don't notice it affecting your braking, and you can't feel the wobble bringing your bike out of balance when you are riding, then I wouldn't touch it. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

[@alexbaxter3828]

Thanks from one of the yanks down below. You explained in practical terms and details and made the job easy for me. Peace to you neighbor :)

[@allknowingdeitysacrificeal4107]

nice vid man. i had some lopped ass rims. now i cant keep track of all the ladies on my jock my rims spin nice and straight

[@monkeydude3987]

Thank you for uploading this! Got two bikes at home to do this one. Got the tool, now I have the know-how. Have a great day!

[@AlleyGator19er]

Excellent Tutorial. Very Helpful. Thank You So Much.

[@KipperStudios]

Thank you for making such an easily understood, clear and concise video on the matter. I fixed my first flat tyre today and I noticed there was a hell of a lot of wobble, so this looks like something I'll need to get doing.

[@oscar4612345]

Thanks! This was so helpful! Now I don't have to waste $40 on getting someone to fix it for md

[@WoodyMTB87.]

8 year old video and easily the most simple and helpful video on here today. Thanks

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, I'm glad it was helpful!

[@fellowkillla]

You the man, spot on!!!! That helped a whole lot!!! Beers on me cheers!!!

[@barkbark9000]

Aq

[@gr8mikeY]

Replaced a broken spoke in back wheel and trued up back and front wheels which both had about a quarter inch of wobble. Took me about an hour and 15 minutes with a POS small crescent wrench. Thanks a million!

[@kboco4]

Thanks buddy, you've helped me save some money!

[@44cc22aa]

It's super helpful from about 5:00 onwards. As someone who never did this adjustment before it made me understand how this works and that half-turn adjustments or less are all you need. Also explains really clearly why you adjust spokes in even number groups. Hadn't realised you should loosen the spoke for other side when you tighten a spoke. Brilliant.

[@Lashasaurus]

When someone asked for my job description as a bike mechanic, I told them: "I LUBE THE NIPPLES AND PUT A TUBE IN THE REAR"

[@kurtismckemmie4850]

LMFAO!!🤣

[@schattopadhya]

Loved the thumb/finger tightening/loosing idea, it was very helpful. My son's 20" bike has no rare brake pad, but the tire was touching the frame in few places, Your video helped stopped the wobbles. but then I found out the wheel was not connected properly to the frame. just loosen the nuts and re aligned the wheel to the center of the frame.Thanks!

[@darkmatter32x]

awesome video dude. this helps a lot.

[@Licia012]

My bike wheel has been off for months now and I had no idea how to fix it until I found this video. Thank you!

[@elzurdo8173]

nipple lol xd

[@victorvillalongo3355]

I really got a very good idea how to true a wheel with your video.You explain very well and your technic on how to use the spoke wrench is very cool!

[@eunjukim6798]

I have the same problem you showed on the video and contacted the local bike shop and they were so behind the schedule so I may have to wait over 3 weeks.I watched your video before but I wasn't comfortable to fix my bike cause I don't now anything about truing. I didn't want to wait over 3 weeks and ordered a spoke wrench. I received my wrench this morning and you know what? I fixed my bike this afternoon. You explained very well and it was really helpful. Thank you!

[@Jambeman]

Thank you for the video! It helped me a lot. I was so sick and tired of riding my bike with croocked wheels. Thanks again!

[@wabe55]

Very helpful! The right hand rule and the basic technique made it so simple. I'll give my wheel another shot tomorrow.

[@robertfernandez9176]

I did the tighten in one side only on both rims and have been riding my bike for months now feeling every turn of the wheels , so frustrating cuz I use my bike for everything. Literally have watched dozens of videos on how to fix this problem and all with great instructions but all just did not make that connection to my stubborn brain cells however your video had no problem bypassing it all. Today, I will attempt to fix them once again. I think I finally understand how it should be done. Thanx.

[@cjhoyle]

I'm glad my video was able to help you connect the dots. I hope your repair went smoothly!

[@Denis63192]

Thank you, I think this is the best tutorial on youtube on how to true the bike wheel.

[@Vazquez12able]

Helped me alot on my DH rig! Watched the video and fixed both of my wheels. Really nicely explained.

[@say1706n]

I thought my front wheel was hopeless after hitting a post but I got the bend nearly 100% out. There's still a slight "bulge" in the rim where the impact was but can't be straightened by adjusting spokes. Thanks for saving me money... I feel like a pro! :)

[@cjhoyle]

They both will do the job, I actually used a circular one in my spoke repair video. The disadvantage of the circular ones is that each time you make an adjustment to one of the spokes, you need to check and make sure you are inserting the right side of the tool onto the spoke, so that you are using the correct size. In my experience, when I'm working on the wheel, the tool gets turned in my hand and I lose track of which size I want to be using. For this reason I prefer the single sized ones.

[@jordantiller]

This is a great instructional video you really covered all the important details in a clear and concise manner. Thank you!

[@liquidworldvideo]

When I was 8 years old I noticed some of my spokes were loose I bought this tool to tighten the spokes, all of them wheel was so wobbly I had to get a new bike, Wow you made it look so easy Great video.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks!

[@syrus3k]

There are several videos on how to do this on youtube, but this is by far the best. Cheers!

[@properjob]

an excellent instructional video that sets out the different stages of the task very intelligently and in an understandable fashion. Thanks for making it and for sharing your knowledge

[@Nevets2592]

That right hand rule is such a good way to remember which way to tighten/loosen! Thanks!

[@drkrpr155]

Superb video bud, the first minute was just what I needed to see to touch up the alignment.

[@karlmatthews6194]

Great video, I have been cycling for years and "sort of fixing" wheels a number of times. However my best climbing wheels now need some attention and I thought I should refresh how to true a wheel. Your video is great and I now understand why my fixing in the past was not great. But now with a bit more understanding and some great tips I am very confident and looking forward to getting out in to the garage with my spoke key!!!!

[@Cstank5]

This is the most helpful and I'm depth video I could find on how to fix a bent wheel. Thankyou so much!

[@jonw6376]

Very helpful... thank you! Now I need to get a spoke wrench & work on my wheels! The rear is VERY bad due to a crash, so I'll video before & after to see how I do!

[@365Avalon]

Wow, I never knew it was so easy LOL. Just tried it on a rim this afternoon and it worked just great. All those times I've had to leave my bike in the shop while they "get round to it". Thanks

[@patrickworking3065]

Thank you for this, this process has eluded me for years, I've tried my hand at it before but never really understood the underlying theory. I have a couple bikes I need to go repair now!

[@kerryosborne7570]

Brilliant video, yours is the only one I have watched that shows to loosen off spokes as well as tighten! Thanks😜

[@keinermestre]

Hey man, thank you so much, I did enjoy the video and I will be applying that knowledge tomorrow. I know it is 8 years old and I hope you are still making these videos I am looking to learn a bit more about bikes and help those in need. Thank you so much.

[@cjhoyle]

Thank you, I'm glad it was helpful for you. Yes I am still making videos, just posted a new one today in fact!

[@w.m.aslam-author]

Videos like these are the reason I love KZbin : ) My job for the weekend. Thank you!

[@intmd8or537]

Just bought a new Mongoose XCOM 28" at a freight salvage auction with a pair of warped wheels. The front one is much worse. I have never been good at truing wheels and have always taken them to a shop before. But that was long ago when labor was affordable and I was too impatient.:-) This video explains it very well and I can see where I may have made mistakes in my younger days. I will try it and maybe save myself some labor charges. Thanks for putting this up.

[@deadpeachlives]

Thank you so much man I spent like 8 hours yesturday trying to figure out why my bike was fucked and you solved it in 12 minutes

[@jessigaibor570]

Thanks , this video just save me $30 . I went to the local bike shop and they would charge me 30 to 40 dollars to do this. Bless you.

[@JOEWOLCHAK1]

Good video . I now understand what makes the rim go to one direction and how to correct it. The tighten-loosen explaining was good. You made it understandable to even a dumb bell.

[@RogerGarcia-eq8cr]

This guy is a genius!! The way he explained it is so easy to understand!!!!

[@arturrosa3166]

That was really well explained. Informative, detailed and very professional. Many thanks and thumbs up!

[@GurumurthyPandit]

thanks for putting up this extremely helpful video. definitely saves me some money by not taking my bike to a bike shop.

[@1960iou]

Much easy to understand than 10 other videos to show the same truing the wheel.

[@jacobchristopherenriquez9932]

this video is soooooo helpful. now i just discovered that the bike tool i bought at walmart already have a spoke wrench. thank you so much for this video

[@ludovicbornaghi3725]

Awesome video, very helpful, I've been trying to fix my wheel for ages and now its perfect

[@pixel-classics]

Another great vid, thank you! This is exactly how my back wheel is right now, and it's this that I considered 'buckled', & didn't think this could be fixed. I had no idea the spokes could be adjusted like this to to correct it, so will try this fix before shelling out for brand new wheel. Thank you.

[@aniltauro4353]

you are awesome mate! the right hand rule makes things so simple. three cheers to you

[@imlikemike86]

This is the best tutorial for anything I've seen on KZbin. Very helpful and informative!

[@hey0arnold]

Thanks! I was planning to bring my bike to the repair shop. This saved me some cash. Haha, some bikers learned from this video years ago. I just did 15 minutes ago.

[@cjhoyle]

Glad you found it helpful. It's an old video but this technique has remained the same for several dozen years.

[@scottchris10sen]

All your bicycle videos have been fantastic, thanks for putting in the time

[@Zaphod898]

Great video! I had just about decided that I needed to bring this into the shop because I don't have a truing stand, when I came across your video. 15 minutes later, my wheel was true. :)

[@weeksy79]

One of the best amateur instruction videos I've ever watched

[@Murdog83]

CJ, I appreciate your videos a lot. They're always the most informative and helpful.