How to Replace a Spoke on a Bicycle Wheel

If you have broken a spoke, it can really put a damper on your riding. The spokes provide support and balance to your wheel, and without a full set, you will be riding into disaster. While changing a spoke is not going to be the most common of repairs you will do to your bike, it is still a good idea to know how to replace a spoke.

Things You'll Need

  • Small flat-head screwdriver
  • Wrench set
  • Rim tape
  • Spoke wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the wheel from the bike. If it is the front wheel, simple take the wheel off the bike. If it is the back wheel, first disengage the chain from the back bracket before taking the wheel off.

    • 2

      Take off the tire and tube from the wheel with the broken spoke. Then remove the rim tape so you can get the broken spoke out of the rim.

    • 3

      Remove the broken spoke through the hole at the top of the rim. Before you do so, make sure to note how the spoke fits with the rest so you can thread the new spoke between the others when replacing.

    • 4

      Starting at the hub (the middle of the rim) slide the new spoke in, thread it over and under the other spokes in the same way the old spoke was and position it properly in the hole at the outer portion of the rim. Thread the top portion of the spoke into the nipple and tighten with your screwdriver and spoke wrench.

    • 5

      Replace the rim tape, making sure to line the valve hole up. Replace the tube and tire, then put the wheel back on your bike.