tightening spokes

andrewwelch
andrewwelch Posts: 8
edited June 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi, I've ridden about 2500m on my current wheels (Sun Rhynolyte on XT hubs) and I want to tighten up loose spokes. Is there a best approach way of doing this. These are my second pair of wheels on a tour of 4500m so far. (My first were Mavic xm721 and cracked). Some of the spokes are getting a bit loose. Normally I would go round and tighten a 1/4 turn until they felt tight. Any thoughts?

Thanks
Andy

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Trueing and tensioning wheels is pretty straightforward - but be careful and patient! You will need the correct spoke key for your spoke nipples.

    I'd look at an online guide such as the one by Sheldon Brown or Park Tools.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

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  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    You shouldn't go around the wheel tightening spokes just because you can or you
    THINK they are loose. If you tighten spokes and then tighten them again and again
    eventually the rim will collaspe. It's not just about tightening spokes - it's about
    tightening AND loosening the correct ones, plus having a good feel(or a guage)
    for proper spoke tension. I would spend a bit of time reading a good wheelbuilding book
    to get an idea of what's involved or at the very least have a knowledgeable friend
    help you out. Don't screw up a wheel because you don't know what you're doing.
    It's not all that hard once you get the hang of it. Key words here - once you get the hang of it. Good luck.

    Dennis Noward
  • Pippen33
    Pippen33 Posts: 235
    I certainly agree with the previous post. I recently loosened each and every nipple in order to true myself as one or 2 alu nipples had snapped off, what a complete and utter jerk I was for doing so (no research).

    Since then I've wasted £45 in wheel truing service, from a full true of alu nipples to a full replacement/true of brass nipples as the alu kept failing. All because I was being ambitious.
    spammer

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