Most modern bicycle wheels consist of three main components: spokes, a rim, and a hub. The strength of the wheel comes from the tension in the spokes. However, after a while, new wheels lose some of their tension, so it's essential to check and adjust them regularly as part of bike maintenance. Spokes are prone to wear and tear and may eventually break, especially under high-stress applications. Luckily, replacing them is a simple three-step process!

Step 1: Source the Spoke

To start resolving your issue, you will need to order the correct spoke. Spokes come in different lengths, thicknesses (also called spoke gauge), and colors. Typically, most bicycle wheels use different lengths on either side, with the right side having gears and the left side having brake rotors. Please refer to the chart below for further clarification. Additionally, we have provided links below to online retailers that sell spokes. 

*PLEASE remove and measure your spoke to confirm the length & gauge before placing an order. Some have changed over time.*

• Links for 12G spokes, select the correct length on the ordering page:
  • ProWheelBuilder.com - APIM LEADER J BEND BLACK 12G OR 2.6MM SPOKES
  • Hi Power Cycles (hpcbikes.com) - 12g Phil Wood Black Spoke (Custom Cut to Length)
  • Hi Power Cycles (hpcbikes.com)- Phil Wood Black 12G Nipple

• Links for 13g spokes. Select the length needed and the desired color. If the option is there, also select "reduction nipple" option when ordering: 
  • WheelBuilder.com - SAPIM E-STRONG SINGLE BUTTED 12/13G SPOKES
  • Amazon.com - 13G Bicycle Spokes
  • SpokesFromRyan.com - SAPIM LEADER 13G J-BEND SILVER SPOKES

Step 2: Install The Spoke

Installing spokes can be a time-consuming process. First, the spokes are fitted into the center of the wheel, which is called the hub. Then, they are attached to the threaded nipple in the rim. The hub not only holds the spokes but also the disc brake rotors and cassette, which are the gears in the back. Sometimes, the cassette or rotors may need to be removed in order to install a new spoke. If you do your own bike maintenance, you may already have the necessary tools. However, if you are new to cycling and don't have these tools yet, we've provided some helpful links below. Just click on the word "LINK" to find the information you need.

• How To Install A Spoke
• Amazon.com - Purchase Bike Cassette Removal Tool
• How To Remove the Cassette (if your repair requires this step)
• How To Remove the Disc Rotor (if your repair requires this step)
• How To Remove Your Rear Wheel (if this if your first time)
  

Step 3: True The Wheel

The last step in replacing a spoke is to "true" the wheel. Truing a wheel means adjusting each spoke's tension to make the wheel roll straight. As you may have noticed, half of the spokes come from the right side of the hub and the other half come from the left side. By tightening or loosening a spoke, you can pull the rim to one side or the other. By carefully balancing the tension of each spoke you can achieve a straight rolling and a true wheel. If this is your first time or it has been a while, the following links can help you. 

• Amazon.com - Purchase Spoke Wrench (needed for turning the nipples to manipulate the wheel) 
• How To True the Wheel

Bonus Step: Tension Meter

This bonus step is not necessary to get you riding again; however, it can help the wheel last longer and will help optimize the results you get. 

When truing a wheel, it is possible to rely on feeling alone, but for wheels assembled by hand or at a factory, all spokes are tested with a tension meter. This tool applies pressure on the spoke and measures how much it bends, indicating the level of tightness of the spoke. Using a tension meter ensures that all the spokes are adequately tight and also helps ensure that they are evenly tense. This distributes the load evenly across all the spokes, which can help prolong the wheel's lifespan. Uneven tension puts more pressure on some spokes than others, increasing the risk of breakages. By evenly distributing the load, we can ensure that the spokes last for as long as possible.

• Amazon.com - Purchase Spoke Tension Meter Tool