How To Remove Bicycle Spokes

AvatarByCarl Frisch

One of the most common repairs on a bicycle is removing broken bicycle spokes. Bicycle spokes connect the rear wheel to the frame and are used for balancing and steering. Since most repairs need to be done on a bicycle, it’s crucial to know how to fix minor issues like removing a broken spoke.

A bicycle’s rear wheel is connected to the frame by spokes. Each of the bicycle’s components- such as the front and rear wheels, handlebars and seat- is uniquely connected to each other with spokes. The number of spokes in a bicycle’s wheels vary depending on the type of bike. There are usually between 24 and 32 spokes in a typical front wheel and between 28 and 32 for a typical rear wheel. Some higher end models have as many as 36 or more spokes in each wheel. Spokes are made from steel, aluminum or titanium and are sold individually or as sets. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks when making them.

A broken spoke can make a bike difficult to ride and control. However, fixing a broken spoke is relatively easy. You only need a few supplies and can do it at home or in your backyard. First, you must sand down the end of the broken wire until it stops glowing or sparking. Next, you must coat the broken end with superglue until it Bonds together again. Afterward, you can pop the glued end back into place and attach the spoke back onto your bike with threadlock compound and a wrench. This will keep your spoke in place so it doesn’t break again while riding your bike.

Bicycle mechanics will also occasionally replace a broken rear wheel spoke with a new one instead of gluing one back together. They do this by cutting out a new spoke from an aluminum sheet. They then bend the end to create a perfect replacement for your old one. Alternatively, they can sometimes find a replacement spoke on ebay or elsewhere online. Every so often, entire rear wheels will also break where the manufacturer replaced the spokes with thicker ones- which makes replacing them much easier than normal too.

Replacing bicycle spokes is an easy way to fix minor problems with your bike. It’s also an effective way to repair a broken spoke since you only need supplies from your home toolbox to do it. Whether you decide to replace or glue back together your broken spoke will make your bike easier to ride again!

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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