TECH TIPS
REYNOLDS CYCLING SPOKE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
Over the years Reynolds Cycling has built some of the strongest, lightest wheels in the market. We pride ourselves in using the
highest quality parts in our wheels. Even with our great strength and high quality parts, it is possible for our wheels to have a
broken spoke. If you have a wheel serviced, we recommend that you have your service provider follow these steps to help
ensure that you do not continue to have this problem. If you have questions at any time contact us at 866.987.3040 or at
[email protected].
1.
When replacing a broken spoke on any Reynolds Cycling wheel, please start by removing the broken spoke and nipple
from the wheel.
2.
Only the broken spoke needs to be removed, but you must take the tension off all the spokes in this wheel. Usually 3
complete turns on each spoke will work just fine.
3.
Install the new spokes and nipple. It is best that you use a spoke prepping compound on the threads of the spoke
(Wheelsmith Spoke Prep is an acceptable compound).
4.
Start bringing the wheel back to tension, one turn at a time. After each turn check for trueness and run out (also known
as hop). Correct as needed.
5.
Once the wheel is brought up to tension, it is important that the spokes are within a 250(Newton) spread of eachother.
6.
When the spokes are within this spread, and the wheel is true and round, take the wheel out of the stand and apply
pressure to the rim while loading the hub. You may hear some pinging from the spokes. This is caused by wind-up that
is settling in the spokes . Place the wheel back in the truing stand and re-true and tension the wheel. Reynolds’ inhouse wheel building spec requires a 407 lb load on the hub, on each side of the wheel, to remove spoke wind-up.
While it might not be feasible to duplicate in a bike shop, de-stressing is a very important process to prevent spoke
breakage from occurring.
7.
Repeat step 6 until you have eliminated all spoke windup and have a true and evenly tensioned wheel.
Reynolds Cycling, LLC | 866.798.3040 | [email protected] | www.ReynoldsCycling.com