How to Tune Bicycle Rims

A hub, rim and spokes form the elements of a bicycle wheel. The hub is the center of the wheel and is connected to the rim by spokes. Spokes also serve to keep the rim properly tuned. A properly tuned rim is considered 'true.' A true rim is perfectly even, with all sides centered over the middle of the hub. For a rim to be true, all spokes must be properly tensioned.

Things You'll Need

  • Spoke wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the bicycle over, and rest it carefully on the saddle and handlebars.

    • 2

      Stand behind the wheel, and rotate the wheel slowly. Pay careful attention to the rim as it passes the brake pads. Pause the wheel at any point where the rim bulges out toward either brake pad.

    • 3

      Use the tip of your finger to pluck the spoke or spokes opposite the bulging section of rim.

    • 4

      Listen for the loose spoke(s): the note will be lower than that from a properly tensioned spoke. You'll find properly tensioned spokes wherever the rim is even.

    • 5

      Attach a spoke wrench to the nipple portion of the loose spoke. The nipple is a threaded nut that connects the spoke to the rim.

    • 6

      Rotate the nipple against the spoke, turning the nipple counterclockwise with the wrench.

    • 7

      Check the adjustment by once again rotating the section of wheel past the brake pads. As you add tension to the loose spoke, the bulging section will gradually draw in toward the rest of the rim.

    • 8

      Continue the adjustment until the section of rim is even. The spoke should now sound very similar to other properly tensioned spokes when plucked.

    • 9

      Continue rotating the wheel, and pause wherever the rim is uneven. Tune the loose spokes as needed.