Actually the RIM of my bicycle is slightly out of allignment and therefore it touches the brakes and metal rod one time in revolution... I know that i can fix this problem by tightning or loosing the spokes of the tyre... BUT HOW... I DONT HAVE SPECIALIZED TOOL EITHER... CAN I USE ANY ALTERNATE TOOL....
2006-09-18 14:43:43 · 7 answers · asked by AM 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Forget it. Take the wheel to the shop and let them do it. I have been a racer for 19 years and know how to do it and still I let someone that does it every day handle it.
Overtighten the wrong spoke and you could wind up with a flat spot in the wheel.
It costs about $7 to have a wheel trued but a lot more to buy a new wheel.
Good luck.
2006-09-19 07:17:33 · answer #1 · answered by Jeff 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT USE ANY WRENCH EXCEPT A SPOKE WRENCH.
You ask why? An adjustable wrench won't work well, will wreck the nipple, and will result in a much more costly trip to the shop than if you went there first and paid the $5 for a spoke wrench. Make sure to take the bike so the shop can get you the correct size spoke wrench.
Once you have a spoke wrench, it is a simple procedure to do...but not simply done! It takes a lot of practice, and patience.
Tighten spokes (probably two spokes should do it) opposite the rub side to pull the rim that way. You may need to loosen the spoke on the rub side between the two you tightened to allow the slack for the rim to move. Don't tighten/loosen spokes more than one-quarter or one-half a turn at a time. The adjustments are very sensitive.
About once a year you should lightly tighten all spokes (maybe half a turn each). They do loosen slightly on their own over time.
Get a book on bike repair from the library, or better yet, buy one. They go through all this stuff in detail with pictures.
2006-09-18 19:08:49 · answer #2 · answered by powhound 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can use a small adjustable Crescent type wrench, but a spoke wrench is much better and faster to use. Do not use pliers or locking pliers like Vise-Grips.
The things on the ends of the spokes are called nipples. I don't know why, but that's what they're called. When you look at the top of the nipple from the outside of the rim, you can see that it has a slot like the top of a screw. When viewed from this direction, turning the nipple clockwise tightens the spoke and turning it counter-clockwise will loosen it.
When you tighten a spoke, it will move the rim toward the side of the hub that it's connected to. If you tighen several spokes going to one side of the hub, and loosen an equal number going to the other side of the hub, you will move the rim to the side, without making it get bowed inward. Use only a quarter to 1/2 of a turn at the time. You need to have a reference point to make sure you don't move the wheel too far to one side or the other. You can use the brakes if you have to, but only if they're centered properly. Otherwise, tie a pencil across the top of the frame or fork with rubber bands, and place marks on that pencil with another pencil or pen that will help you center the rim. Be patient. You may need to work on the wheel for a really long time to make it right.
Note that if the rim has been bent in a crash, it may be impossible to get the rim straight. If that's what happened, visit a bike shop and get advice on what to do next. Some good shops have a wheelbuilder who can lace a new rim onto your existing hub with new spokes, while at others, your only choice may be buying an entire new wheel.
Best wishes and safe miles to you,
cybercerdo30297
2006-09-18 17:45:56 · answer #3 · answered by cybercerdo30297 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could use an adjustable wrench to turn the nipples but if you are not careful you could round off the nipples. The proper tool is a spoke wrench which is relatively inexpensive.
With a lot of practice, you can get a relatively true wheel.
2006-09-18 18:05:24 · answer #4 · answered by Michael G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the only thing i can tell you to do that will help is go to the bike department at walmart and buy a spoke tool they don't cost that much. you might also want to invest in a tire level. they help make sure you don't put your tire on wrong and that can make your spokes go out of whack
2006-09-18 14:49:17 · answer #5 · answered by kilzer52 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A spoke wrench is very inexpensive, and can be purchased at a local bike shop.
2006-09-18 14:47:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go to a bike store and purchase a spoke and wrench - and ask them please show you how to use it - - - most bikers are comrades. I have not found any good alternatives - wrenches can round the edges ,etc.
2006-09-18 14:47:09 · answer #7 · answered by oatie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋