How Do You Repair Warped Bicycle Wheels Using The Spokes?
When perfectly even, a bicycle wheel is considered to be “true”. For this to happen, the spokes on the wheel must be tensioned so that the entire diameter of the rim is positioned directly over the hub. When a spoke is loose, the disparate tension will cause the rim to bulge (or warp) in the direction opposite the spoke in question. The loose spoke not only weakens the wheel, but also reduces the brake pads’ ability to grip the wheel under braking. Stand over your wheel and rotate the wheel slowly past the brake pads. When true, a wheel will rotate evenly past the pads. Make note of where the wheel is warped. The warped section will bulge out toward one of the brake pads as you rotate the wheel past it. Pluck the spokes in the area of the warp. Spokes that need to be tightened will offer a dull note when plucked. As a reference, pluck a couple spokes further up the wheel where the wheel is even. These spokes will sound a higher note, indicating higher tension. Place a bit of penetratin
