Maintenance

How to replace a broken spoke

Step-by-step guide to save you the cost of a mechanic

6. Check the brake and gear function

A broken spoke is relatively to fix with the right tools
A chainwhip holds the cassette in place while the wrench and cassette tool is applied to remove the lockring
Remove the rim tape to gain access to the spoke nipples
Be extremely careful when placing the nipple in the rim
Use a spoke key to bring the replacement spoke up to tension
Ensure the spacers are replaced correctly before tightening the lock ring
Check the function of the brake and the gears when replacing a trued wheel

6. Check the brake and gear function

Removing and replacing the cassette could effect the gear alignment. It’s worth checking before heading back out onto the road.

Check the function of the brake and the gears when replacing a trued wheel

Re-tensioning the brake cable after replacing the wheel is unlikely to have altered braking alignment, but is perhaps worth checking.

Riding

Maintenance: chain checking and replacement - part one

The importance of checking for chain wear; replacing a SRAM chain

Maintenance: chain checking and replacement - part one

How To

Fitness: from bronze to gold in 2013 - part one (overview)

Coach, Tom Kirk, outlines his eight-point programme

Fitness: from bronze to gold in 2013 - part one (overview)

Technique

Technique: from bronze to gold in 2013 - part one (overview)

Better technique can offer more than marginal gains

Technique: from bronze to gold in 2013 - part one (overview)

Riding

Maintenance - replacing brake pads

Winter conditions are notoriously hard on bicycles. Brake pads and wheel rims are among the components that bear the brunt of the additional water, grit, and...

Maintenance - replacing brake pads