How to Measure for Bicycle Wheel Spokes

Bicycle tire spokes almost always break at the 90-degree bend where the spoke hooks onto the hub -- it's an inherent weak spot. To order a new spokes, you must have nearly perfect measurement. The only way to accurately measure for new spokes is to remove the broken spokes and use one of them as a template.This makes it easy to gauge the length you need for a replacement. Broken spokes never fall out completely. When you hear that tinkling sound when your spoke breaks, it's a good idea to stop riding your bike and remove it for reference.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Roll the bike so that the broken spoke is facing straight down.

    • 2

      Grab the broken spoke with your fingers and twist it counterclockwise until it comes out of the rim.

    • 3

      Remove the 90-degree broken end if it is still on the rim.

    • 4

      Lay the spoke out on a flat surface, including the broken end if you have it.

    • 5

      Measure from the end of the threads on the threaded end to the point where the spoke makes the 90-degree bend.