Is my back wheel repairable / dangerous to ride on?

tc1992
tc1992 Posts: 62
edited July 2017 in Workshop
I noticed a slight buckle in my back wheel. I used my brake pad as a guide If i set the brake pad so that at it's most "in point", the rim just touches it, then (as i rotate the wheel) at it's most "out point" the rim is 2 or 3mm away from the pad. Then i also noticed one of my spokes is broken. It is one that was connected (in the middle) to the wheel reflector, so i guess the slight pressure over time must have done for it.

I'm guessing this is beyond repair? Is it dangerous at the moment? don't fancy my wheel collapsing during a descent. I have a Trek Madone 2.0 and the wheels are Bontrager. What do you think?

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Minor problem. Replace the spoke and true the wheel, or have it done at a shop.
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  • k-dog
    k-dog Posts: 1,652
    It probably won't collapse (I rode 150k after breaking a spoke at the beginning of a charity ride 2 years ago) but it will weaken other spokes. If you replace that spoke it should be fine - if you keep riding you'll end up having to rebuild the wheel which is just more expensive.

    One spoke - just replace it. If others start going it's time to replace them all.
    I'm left handed, if that matters.
  • tc1992
    tc1992 Posts: 62
    thanks all, i knew the spoke would be easily repairable, but did think the wheel had gone too far out of alignment to be saved. i'll get in touch with LBS
  • fenix
    fenix Posts: 5,437
    Really doesn't sound a problem at all...
  • svetty
    svetty Posts: 1,904
    Fenix wrote:
    Really doesn't sound a problem at all...

    :roll: :roll:

    No, it is a problem - just not a very big or insoluble one
    FFS! Harden up and grow a pair :D
  • bbrap
    bbrap Posts: 610
    And don't put the reflector back on after.
    Rose Xeon CDX 3100, Ultegra Di2 disc (nice weather)
    Ribble Gran Fondo, Campagnolo Centaur (winter bike)
    Van Raam 'O' Pair
    Land Rover (really nasty weather :lol: )
  • tc1992
    tc1992 Posts: 62
    Fenix wrote:
    Really doesn't sound a problem at all...


    even though it seems very minor, wanted to go for a ride last night, and the buckle is now bigger, such that the wheel can not rotate without sticking on the brake pad, and the bike is now un-rideable, so yes, little things become worst surprisingly quickly.

    bbrap - definitely won't out the reflector back on, and would advise anyone to take them off their spokes.
  • fenix
    fenix Posts: 5,437
    I've broken a few spokes in my time - but none with reflectors on - most of my bikes are daytime bikes so they do'nt have them on. If you ride at night then you can keep them on - I don't care what people say -side visibility is important.
  • k-dog
    k-dog Posts: 1,652
    What we meant by not a problem is that it's easily fixed and won't cause any other issues - not that you can continue to ride. It will get worse and then you'll break more spokes.

    Get it repaired and then ride it.
    I'm left handed, if that matters.
  • tc1992
    tc1992 Posts: 62
    k-dog . . ok, got you
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    The reflector won't have caused the spoke to snap.

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