old wheels spoke tension

Kozak

Doing some maintenence on my 20 year old bike, (first time ever) and with the wheels on 'plucking' ( don't know if that's the correct jargon to use) the spokes they all have a low pitched twang, both wheels fairly similar range - both are round. Comparing to my new bike that I bought those spokes are all a higher pitched twang. So I assume that the old ones are under less tension than the new ones - is this simply an effect of age + use, or do I need to tighten the spokes on the old wheels. I was goint to leave it alone since there's that old phrase of ... if it ain't broke don't fix it.

stigofthedump

The note of a spoke is also effected by the thickness. Thicker spokes will have a lower note. Look at the strings on a guitar.

I would be in the 'if it aint broke' camp TBH

Kozak

Thanks for the reply. I'd assumed that all bike spokes are the same!. Will leave alone and continue on the refurbishment - have painted the frame (Mini Chili Red) just need derust a few bits/some more paint and then grease all the bearings + hope put it all back together at the week-end.

Monty Dog

Grab a pair of spokes with your hand and squeeze together - how much is the deflection? If more that 5mm then spoke tension is likely to be too loose. Spokes don't 'stretch' but nipples loosen over time and you need to retension. If the wheels are straight, then progressively working around the wheel, tightening each nipple a quarter-turn at a time for each revolution should retension things nicely.