How To Replace A Broken Spoke | Fix Your Road Bike With GCN

[@graceodonnell8173]

Super! Showed me everything I needed to do the job all by myself! At age 54, I feel all the accomplishment of a toddler who has managed a spoonful of food!

[@pwat3091]

Undoubtedly one of the best descriptions of its kind I've seen, apart from two things:- 1) The bursts of music are disproportionately loud - Some people WOULD find it unpleasant. Please consider this if re-making, or in future instructionals. 2) The joke ......Whe'll, have to allow that one.

[@joethecyclist1]

Always been a task that I felt was best left to a bike shop(in both efficiency and safety terms). Having watched this video, I actually reckon I could give it a go.... (although truing is still a dark art in my eyes!)

[@JackP18]

Can we please just appreciate Simon's pun at the start of the video, "Broken spokes are a WHEEL nightmare"

[@oscarlaight6493]

Oh yeah, lol.

[@peregrine63701]

Groan

[@coreyhoward1944]

Your explanation about tightening spokes in order to pull the rim in the direction of where the spoke originates on the hub I find is much clearer here than in the other wheel-truing videos. The visual representation aids in this as well.

[@D.Eldon_]

Nice video. If you ever visit this subject again, I recommend providing a little more guidance with regard to spoke tension. Obviously, with a beginner-level "How To" video of this sort, you won't want to get into tension meters. But you could suggest that the user pluck the "good" spokes like a string on a guitar to hear their tone. Then tighten the new spoke until it produces the same tone (less tension for a lower tone, more tension for a higher tone). It's a very simple method to adjust spoke tension. If you suggest this technique, remember to alert the user that many rear wheels have different spoke tensions between the left and right sides -- so the user should only pluck and listen to spokes on the same side of a rear wheel.

[@D.Eldon_]

***** Yes, I'm well aware of that. But the subject of this beginner-level video is not truing a wheel. Rather it is replacing a spoke. If a rider needs to replace a spoke, they need to know that it also needs to be correctly tensioned. So it seems appropriate to explain that here -- after all, it is an essential step in replacing a spoke. Besides, the rider may have no intention of truing their own wheel -- what they need is to adequately repair it until they can get to their LBS. If they have any distance to ride, their wheel will be in better shape if they adjust the tension right away to prevent it going out of round -- or going out of round any worse.

[@kimjarvis7355]

Thanks, that's a great, logical way of knowing that they have the same tension!

[@hrhbucket4268]

That's a genius idea about using the old spoke to refit the nipple. I am going to use this method in future. I've had nightmares in the past trying to get the nipples back in. Thanks, very much appreciated.

[@l.g.friedrichs9356]

You picked the easy front wheel. Show us how to replace the broken spoke on a rear wheel - especially when the spoke is on the cassette side!

[@jackburton2680]

Just take the wheel off.

[@notundermywatch3163]

It literally makes zero difference wether it's front or back wheel as you'll take the wheel off either way

[@Orgakoyd]

Straight-pull is a type of spoke, not a lacing pattern-the other more common and basic type being the J-bend, where the head of the spoke is bent 90 degrees like an elbow. It's radial lacing where the spoke goes straight to the rim without crossing any other spokes-common on front wheels.

[@pauljtee9141]

I was going to try to fix my broken spoke myself but after watching this, I’ll let a pro do it. I do every thing else myself so I really don’t feel bad about it

[@GrandmaandMrRon]

Been watching you guys for years. Helped me so many times like now. Dummy me, of course...put the nipple on a short spoke piece to get it through a deep rim properly! Why didn't I think of that, ha. thanks so much guys!

[@1patula]

Thanks Guys, you really doing a great job with this maintenance series. It’s even more useful nowadays when finding a decent bike service can be a challenge..

[@Name-ln9sw]

These videos come in at the right time, just broke a spoke recently. :)

[@Migsfigs]

this guy is the goat.

[@gcn]

Si will be honoured 🤣

[@Anonymouse85]

The How to... videos of GCN are always my favourites. Clear as ever, Simon! Thanks. :)

[@HeatherSpoonheim]

When I replace a spoke, I mark it with a piece of tape to make sure that is the first spoke I adjust when truing the wheel. My goal is to only ever tension the new spoke to true-up the wheel because if there are other spokes out of tension then I really want to get it to the shop before I go messing things up worse than they were before I broke that spoke.

[@cup_and_cone]

Worth mentioning: If your wheel has 24 or less spokes, and is a shallow profile aluminum rim, chances are just replacing a broken spoke is going to leave you with a major high spot (vertical runout) on the rim. Due to the higher spoke tension of less spokes, the only option is to detension the whole wheel and build it back up - because low spoke rims have to be brought up to tension evenly.

[@robertmartinlooby]

you spoke to soon

[@Eric-lx8hp]

His cool accent is worth the listen

[@kqh123]

too

[@kqh123]

The people have spoken

[@manalivealiveo]

Wheelie immature..

[@terellnelson9397]

Good one😆

[@mrmakeadeal2415]

My spokes never broke like that, they always snapped from the spoke screw 🤷‍♂️

[@Toastybear1]

yay :) finally a "new" video from GCN....... ;)

[@Hdtjdjbszh]

...A little bit harder with disk brakes! Also, if you bust a spoke on the road you can sort of compensate for it by just tightening the other spokes around it untilk you get home. It should ruin your rim less.

[@andrewbowie1882]

Cheers mate! Epic video! This really helped!

[@BorisJohnsonMayor]

"Broken spokes are a 'wheel' nightmare" - Best joke of 2015 goes to.....

[@Lucas-dz4ye]

JOHN CENA!!!

[@johnbouttell5827]

Thanks Simon for a very clear, helpful video. I learned a lot. Cheers.

[@erikolsen6269]

Thanks for this informative video!!

[@vermonthillsumc]

So clear and helpful. Thanks

[@andrew4982]

You chose to replace inside to outside spoke, which is the easiest. I want to see how you do it with a spoke replacement from outside to inside from the hub, of course without excessive bending

[@tomwong9108]

"Broken spokes are a wheel nightmare", what a wheely good pun si.

[@zavir7490]

I Like how it ist allways so easy for them

[@timu79]

Great video. If you’re one of those people that has to be prepared for any potential bike failure like me, then you’ve taped a couple extra spokes inside your seat post 😆

[@hudlumfarter]

Hey Simon, I actually remove spokes to lighten up my wheels. I have removed 4 from the front and 7 so far from the back. Definitely feel the difference on the climbing bits of my 3 mile commute to the job center. X hudlum

[@StuWright]

the gcn boys have the answer again, thanks guys :-)

[@brianmoore1164]

Nicely done Si

[@elcanilla77]

What about threading the spoke from the outside? How do you negotiate the spokes on the other side when bending it towards the rum?

[@josepedrogoncalvesdossanto5210]

I had trouble all summer because Of spokes... I broke 4 in The middle Of 4 different rides and on both wheels, i ended up working a month to pay myself new wheels (while riding in a friend's Bike)... Spokes are nightmare :-(

[@rozanowski]

That was actually easier situation, it would be good to see if the spoke is from outside. I am struggling to bend spoke and it seems I need to remove few spokes just to put broken one.

[@MtBArN]

Cheers man, saved me £50 from a bullshit repair job that was over priced!

[@freeganjustin6699]

Getting nipple off a broken spoke is usually easy: just bend the broken spoke to get some leverage and use the spoke key on it. Getting a straight pull spoke out of the hub end on the other hand, is the nightmare, especially if the plastic parts have become hard with age.

[@gordcollins1110]

Front wheel is easy. But how do you replace the rear wheel spokes with cog in the way?

[@Kloverkill]

Cog/cassette needs to be removed.

[@evsekkides4598]

Nothing more enjoyable than watching Si poke his nipple.

[@uraydo]

Its super easy to thread a spoke from the inside of the hub. I was hopping he would show how to do the other way.

[@johndeal1624]

Agreed. I am in this situation now. I assume you have to remove one of the spokes blocking your new spoke, get the new spoke in position, then reattach the moved spoke. But I have so much trouble with this I am not sure but seems logical. Road this bike for many years about 4K miles a year then started breaking spokes. Replaced many, new wheels, still broke spokes. I finally got a new bike which is not as good as this one. Trying to get the better one back on the road and of course first thing....replace a broken spoke. I am having difficulty removing the spoke that is in the way.

[@chrisn5827]

What is the technique to replace the spoke if it is threaded from the outside ?

[@charlesmatthews2442]

Take a shot every time he says nipple

[@westmech3846]

I don't know if this has been already asked. But do you add a little Loctite to the thread?

[@OnzaRob]

GCN your videos are great, but black spokes, black hub and a black background really doesn't make it easy to see the detail :(

[@dicarlo57]

This can be done without removing the wheel or tire. Remove the broken spoke thread in the new and screw in the other end.

[@w.w77]

Didn't know james Franco was a bike expert 🤔👍

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Nice & Thanks :)

[@axeelcecena]

If I have more then 10or 15 broken spokes should I replace the rim or get new spokes

[@brookiemonster7144]

What about replacing spokes on factory wheels. How many of the GCN presenters and indeed the cycling community ride on 32 spoke 3-way cross wheels now?

[@RixterNow]

Si, one other very useful tool, for those with bladed spokes is a bladed-spoke-holder, such as www.parktool.com/product/bladed-spoke-holder-bsh-4. Using a spanner to keep your bladed spokes from twisting is tacky

[@henrykennedy4366]

Could I use that same tool for when my nipple starts chafing as well?

[@olioli7652]

love it

[@TheJask101]

Hahahahaha "a wheel nightmare" - SMOOTH YOU ARE 😎😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@akshaydurugu8403]

Hello GCN Why do spokes get broken and does one spoke broken cause wobbling to the tyre???

[@chrisbwhittle]

I have two broken spokes how do you replace spokes when they need to be need to be threaded through from the outside ????

[@robertmotion]

3:30 Bro....! Thank you! /Bklyn👑

[@StingrayMk1]

Wish your spoke had been outside in, and on rear wheel with the cluster in the way so I could see what the trick is to that! But thanks.

[@pinksponge1]

How does this work for the other way round ???

[@ToxicVaccines_HivHoax]

Great tutorial! 👍👍 🚲🚲 I have broken one spoke on the rear wheel of my hub motor electric bicycle. I measured the length of it from the inside of the elbow to the end of the thread and it is 70 mm. And I can not find a 70mm spoke for sale. They are ither 60 mm or 80 mm. So I ordered a few 80 mm and if it don't fit, I plan to shorten it with my angle grinder.

[@louisgreenleaf235]

Is this a new series how to fix your bike ???

[@robertdoerr3028]

Broken spoke is not a 'wheel nightmare' it is a 'wheel pain in the ass', Lol

[@Pologuy242]

random question, has anyone tried some of kestrel's bikes? if so, how do they compare to a bianchi intenso?

[@michaelbacon8096]

I wonder how you do it on a UST wheel...

[@jody024]

Just tighten the spoken tighten the spoke until feels as tight as the spokes bext to it, generally speaking that should be fine.

[@craigmorrow1784]

Hi GCN

[@Theb0red317]

I managed to break three of the spoke eyelets on one wheel. guess it's time for a new wheel.

[@manikantanani1230]

why do number of spokes vary for different bikes?

[@goxio2]

Me working at the local bike shop watching this video 🌚

[@ichiroku]

heard at the start: broken spokes are a "wheel" nightmare

[@rahulram1368]

Hey bro where can u buy that ruler form

[@brandonboss6868]

People say truing your tire is ez pz. I'm over here looking at it as if im learning how to fly a plane.

[@klarkolofsson]

I wouldn't call this easy though.

[@experiment54]

since when has + or - a couple of millimetres ever been accurate? Feeler gauges, blueing ink, micrometers, those are what spring to mind when hearing the word accurate.

[@Orgakoyd]

+experiment54 Accurate depends on what you're measuring, although +or- 2 mm is not exactly accurate for spoke length, many other things don't require the methods you mentioned to be cut accurately.

[@cup_and_cone]

you sound like my girlfriend talking about length. an inch/few cm here or there, it's all relative enough...

[@Orgakoyd]

thechosendude I'm sure she would appreciate a few extra inches no matter how relative length is, after all that's quite a 'rod'.

[@1patula]

Very true

[@mullrump2]

lads... great detail... but holy shit... black hub,black spokes and black background makes this next to impossible for the newb... Maybe I'm wrong... love yir work but I feel this could have been a bit visually clearer.. x

[@Jacksirrom]

On my wheel, the "nipple" has disappeared and I just have the spoke hmm

[@robertdoerr3028]

Poking device? Lmao

[@thetraveler9]

Is it just me or is this guy harder to follow than other guys?

[@nigeljohnson8022]

Broken spokes are a wheel knightmare? Wheeley?

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

'Straight pull': NO, SIMON! you mean 'Radial'! Mmm, getting straight pull bladed spokes in the right length without ordering them? Good luck!

[@Youthoob-xm1xp]

You saved my few €€

[@surveyoffice5121]

I call it my Lincoln

[@thatwolffe3802]

How can I clean my brake surfaces on my wheels to get that nasty looking brake dust and dirt that has got stuck to it, its driving me insane looking at it on my best set of wheels.

[@cliveramsbotty6077]

+ThatWolffe use brake cleaner, rub down the rim, dont touch if carbon

[@thatwolffe3802]

clive ramsbotty oh its alloy, and I will try that, someone recommended me to try white spirit or a de-greaser that doesn't have a lubricant in it but I have not tried yet.

[@cliveramsbotty6077]

Yes that's good advice, I find you get better results with ether based spirits like brake cleaner or carb cleaner instead of white spirit... Some pound shops sell aerosol cans of brake cleaner if you go shopping. When I was a kid my brakes were squeaking so I put WD40 on them, no joke.

[@thatwolffe3802]

clive ramsbotty will see if I can find something in one of the nearby pound shops then :P

[@RixterNow]

2nd

[@LeviBikely]

+Rixter 269th

[@RixterNow]

+Levi Bikely I rarely get a podium spot, so I gotta take it when I can ;-)

[@lastone8896]

2nd place just denotes the first loser

[@aheckman]

EVERY VIDEO SKIPS SHOWING THEM WEAVE THE SPOKE IN!

[@alexjrashman]

Could someone please help? I have just a bought some look keo 2 pedals, changing from shimano. Do I just replace the shimano cleats for look ones in the same place? Thank you

[@alexjrashman]

yeah but do i just replace the old cleats with the new ones or do i need them re fitted

[@kp4643]

4th

[@bb1257]

Doesn't mention how to pick the right spoke. The hardest part

[@adcr_e]

A broken spoke is a wheel issue.

[@yechielchli6769]

Today i suffered from a broken spoke

[@jonathanbuoni5157]

Great teacher but I can't listen to the vocal fry in the voice

[@Flatl1neFred]

100-th

[@ianbiggsy791]

all I heard was "nipple"........Better watch it again.......

[@alonzomartii]

Simon Freed the Nipple I'm this video.

[@VideoNOLA]

Why wallow your poor vocal chords around the bottom of your register the whole video?? HIRE A VOICE COACH!

[@thehowtochannel9719]

Thanks for posting. I had a go and I'm having difficulty tightening the spoke (I've taken a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp-4iIqpgduCrKc). Please let me know how to resolve this problem!

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

Should fatties like me worry about a spoke count or similar when buying a wheel?

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

I'm going to get a penny farthing .

[@cup_and_cone]

Depends... spoke count is one measurement, but you also have spoke gauge, the amount of spoke tension built into the wheel, the type of spoke design, the hub flange dimensions (which effect strength through trigonometry), the rim material/design/size, etc.

[@drchunkybiscuit9973]

Croaky voice!

[@craigmorrow1784]

1317th

[@timothyattard8191]

Hahha fack