Have you checked your spokes recently?

[Mussels]

This is mainly for people who have recently bought their first bike and don't understand the nature of machine built wheels. It's quite normal for the spokes in a wheel to need adjusting after a hundred miles or so, if you ignore them then it may lead to expensive problems. They don't need to be checked with a special guage, just check that none feel loose an that they are all of a similar tension. Pick a pair of spokes and squeeze them together, repeat for each pair on each side on each wheel. If you aren't sure then an LBS will probably check it over for not a lot of money.
I was reminded of this last night on my week old bike by the rattling noise as I rode home.

Next week will be an article on checking your nuts.

 

[Rad]

Good advice. I never had a problem with the spokes on any of my regular bikes, but within the first fortnight of owning my X6 I was being subjected to a delightful serenade from the front wheel spokes.