Quick question

UnworthyPapaLazaru

Is it safe to ride with a broken spoke (rear wheel)? Does it compromise the strength and safety of the wheel?

Just noticed it as I was setting up to go out,

dondare

The wheel will most likely be buckled so that it scrapes againt the brake blocks (unless they're disk brakes) or even the stay if it's really bad. It will be weaker as the tension in the remaining spokes will be unbalanced. Having said that, I've ridden for miles with broken spokes, it's something you might get away with or might not.

Poves

Hi,

Once a spoke goes, it puts extra strain on the spokes near it and they will soon start to ping too. The most common occurence is for a spoke to snap on the rear wheel on the side of the gears - because this side is under greater strain. Sadly this means that to replace the broken spoke you need a to remove the gear block - which is easy......but only if you have the correct tools. Unless you're keen enough to do most repairs on your own bike, it is probably a job for your LBS.

Regards



Poves

goodson

yes it does compromise the strength, more of a problem on the back wheel. traditional wheels have paired spokes and all the strain is on the remaining spoke in the pair especially when climbing. If you carry a spoke key (which you will after 1st having this happen on a ride) tighten the adjacient spokes on the same side to take some strain and take it steady until the spoke can be replaced. You will most likely be ok for a few miles with one broken if the other goes your in the brown & smelly the depth depends on how far from home you are.

UnworthyPapaLazaru

Thanks for the responses. I went out on bike and there is a bit of a buckle. I probably would have noticed earlier if my brake blocks weren't so incredibly worn. I'll be getting a service done soon.

Got me thinking that daily commuting whatever the weather really does pan your bike in. I can now understand people having 'winter' bikes. Always thought that was a bit extravagant but not now.

Cheers.