I have 2 broken spokes on Optibike

stevebills

Esteemed Pedelecer
Dec 14, 2010
443
4
I have noticed 2 broken spokes on my back wheel and should I replace straight away or snap them off and leave them for now?
I would like to no what causes this and do I need to drop the psi from 80 to 70 as they are rock hard?:confused:
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,507
30,814
You should replace as soon as possible. The usual cause is the spoke tensions uneven from the wheel build, manufacturer wheel builds are often not very good. Best bet would be to get the spokes replaced and the wheel trued properly by a cycle mechanic who knows his business. That should prevent any recurrence.

The tyre pressures shouldn't matter, sport bike types often ride their skinny tyres at around 120 lbs.
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Streethawk

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 12, 2011
634
16
Replace them as soon as you can or more may go, or worse the wheel could crumple.

Then keep an eye on it, if more go, chances are you're going to need the wheel rebuilt as it tends to mean the spokes are worn where they bend to meet the hub.

This is usually caused by not having your wheel trued regularly, spoke tension drops, free play causing movement, movement causes wear.

I always recommend having this done by your LBS twice a year. It shouldnt cost more than £15 a wheel. I've seen some shops charge £7 per wheel.