The ride quality of the bike almost entirely depends on the quality of mounting and wheel alignment. One of the preventive maintenance steps for bicycle wheels is spoke replacement and rebalancing. These operations require accuracy, thoroughness and strict adherence to the sequence of actions.
It is necessary
- - rim;
- - knitting needles;
- - machine oil;
- - pliers.
Instructions
Step 1
Lubricate the spokes and the wheel rim with engine oil where they touch the nipples. This will allow the spokes to be tightened sufficiently.
Step 2
Inspect the rim hub flange. If the holes on the flange are countersunk on only one side, the spokes should be installed on the side opposite to the countersink.
Step 3
Insert the first nine spokes into the flange so that there is one free hole between them. On the rear wheel, install the spokes starting from the threaded (right) part of the hub.
Step 4
Find on the rim among the holes shifted to the right, the one located to the right of the valve inlet. Insert the first (key) knitting needle into this hole. Tighten the nipple two turns.
Step 5
Working clockwise, count four holes from the first spoke, install the second spoke and tighten the nipple. The threaded part of the sleeve should be facing towards you.
Step 6
Check if the initial installation was correct. Both spokes should connect the right side of the rim to the right flange of the hub, and there should be three free holes between the spokes.
Step 7
Secure the next seven spokes by placing them in every fourth hole in the rim.
Step 8
Turn the wheel over to you. Install the nine spokes in series by inserting them into the left flange. Start with the key (tenth) spoke to the left of the valve hole. After installing the specified element, dial the remaining eight spokes on the left side in the same sequence as on the right side of the rim.
Step 9
Examine the wheel. If everything is done correctly, then along the entire circumference of the rim, there are pairs of holes with nipples and pairs of free holes interspersed. In this case, the nipples should only be screwed in a few turns.
Step 10
Install the tensioning knitting needles. Their heads should be located on the inside of the flange. Pass one of the spokes through the hole in the flange and twist the bushing so that the previously dialed spokes get a direction close to tangent to the flanges.
Step 11
When dialing the first nine idler spokes, make sure they are inserted into the holes in the rim that are offset to the corresponding flange. Dial the rest of the tensioning needles in the same way. If the ends do not reach the nipple holes, loosen the nipples of the remaining spokes one or two turns.
Step 12
After installing all the spokes, screw the nipples to the same depth so that the ends come out to the level of the splines of the nipples.
Step 13
Move on to even tension on the knitting needles. Tighten each nipple one turn starting from the valve hole. Pass all the needles in sequence, trying to ensure even tension, without forming a "figure eight". Carry out the final check and fine-tuning of the rim by installing it in its place and scrolling around the axis.
