Replacing a broken spoke is simple, and here are the easy steps to show you how.
Stuff you'll be needing:
- A new spoke
- Spoke wrench
- Basic tools
(1) Firstly, remove the wheel from your bike and take of the tire and tube. If you are unsure how to do this, refer to the article on how to do so. Then, peel off the tape from inside the rim.
(2) Your new spoke should come with a nipple. so unscrew the old nipple, and put the new one in.
(3) With your new spoke, insert it into the hub flange, and position it so that it matches all the other spokes (same weaving pattern).
(4) Thread the spoke into the nipple, and adjust the tension using a spoke wrench.
(5) Put the tape, tube and tire back on, and mount onto your bike.
(6) The spoke tensions may not be even, and you may want to true your wheel.
Over time, the grips on your bike will wear out. For safety, it is essential that you replace them. Here are a few simple tips that will make that easier.
(1) Removing the grips
There are several ways to take the grips off. First you will need to take of any handlebar ends or caps which may stop you from removing the grips.
If you don't plan on using them again, you can cut them open with a knife. Otherwise, roll them back a bit, and squirt some soapy water in. Twist it a bit and slide it off. If it does not come off, just add more soap and work it a bit more.
(2) Installing the grips
Make sure that your new grips will fit the handle bars, if not, cut them to size. Slightly wet the entire inside of the grip. Slide it onto the handlebars, and twist until it is fully inserted.
At some stage, your tire will go flat. Changing the tire is quick and easy, and an essential skill.
Stuff you'll be needing:
- Tire patch kit (patches, abrasive patch, glue, levers)
- Pump
- New tube (if replacing entire tube)
(1) Check that there really is a puncture, by pumping up the tire and listening for leaks
(2) Turn the bike upside down, by resting it on the seat and handlebars
(3) Loosen the brake cables, and open the quick release mechanism
(4) The front wheel should just pop out; with the back wheel, you will need to lift the wheel out of the chain and around the derailleur
(5) Remove the tire from the rims by lifting it out with the tire levers - Lever one section of the tire out with one lever, and lock it onto the spokes
(6) With the other lever, run it around the tire to pop the rest of it off
(7) Check the inside of the tire for objects which may have caused the puncture, and remove them
(8) Locate the hole, and rough up the area around the hole with the abrasive patch, or some sandpaper
(9) Rub some glue onto the area around the hole, and stick the patch on
(10) Wait a few minutes for the glue to dry, and place the tube back inside the rim
(11) Put the tire back on, and pump it up, checking that it is no longer leaking
(12) If patching the hole does not solve the problem, replace the entire tube, they are very cheap anyway
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