Replace broken spokes or relace a wheel

A broken spoke is a warning. One spoke on a sound wheel may be replaced. Several, or a damaged hub or rim, may mean a new wheel or a full relace. This page helps choose and describes how a workshop does the job.

Is it safe to ride?

• One broken spoke: ride gently to the workshop. Wire or tape the loose end to a nearby spoke so it cannot flail round the wheel.
• Two broken spokes, not next to each other: ride with great care and fix soon.
• Three or more, or any two next to each other: do not ride. The wheel can fail suddenly.

Choose the repair

1. Replace the spoke only. Works if the nipple turns and the wheel runs true.
2. Relace the wheel with a new rim, hub or full set of spokes. Good for older wheels with a bent rim or many broken spokes, but nipples may be rusted tight to spokes and have to be cut off.
3. New or used wheel. A used wheel from a breaker's yard can cost less. Check the spokes, the rim true and the bearings first, and plan to fit new bearings.

Match the spokes

• Same number of spokes as the rim and hub holes. Count them.
• Right length and thickness (gauge). Measure an old spoke.
• Right head shape: straight, slightly bent or strongly bent. Straight heads are strongest.
• Some wheels take tubeless tyres. The spokes are set in the rim to keep it airtight. Do not swap these for ordinary spokes.

What the workshop does

1. Takes off the tyre, tube and rim tape.
2. Wires each pair of spokes (left and right) together so they are not mixed up.
3. Works one pair at a time: takes off the nipples, swaps the old pair for the new pair, and rewires the next pair.
4. Screws all nipples on the same amount, finger tight.
5. Trues the wheel (True a spoked wheel by small spoke adjustments).
6. Checks that no spoke end sticks through the nipple, then fits rim tape.

What to ask for

• New spokes and nipples that match the old ones.
• The wheel trued and the runout figure read back to you.
• New wheel bearings if they are old. See Replace wheel bearings.

Check your work

• No loose or broken spokes. All ring evenly when tapped.
• The wheel runs true and the tyre sits evenly.

If it did not fix the problem

• Still wobbling: Wheel is bent or buckled.
• Spokes loosen again: Spokes are loose or broken.