Spokes sometimes break. It will usually happen when you have a big event coming up. In which case the quickest way for you to replace a broken spoke is to do it yourself. Don’t worry though it isn’t hard to replace a broken spoke. With a little guidance you’ll have it done in next to no time.

Replace a spoke – video version

We have a written guide below but for those of you who would prefer it in a different medium, please, watch this video.

Replace a spoke – text version

To replace a broken spoke you’ll need a few tools.

• Tire lever
• Spoke key
• Flathead screwdriver
• New spoke of the correct length
• You may also need cassette removal tools if the spoke is on the drive side of your rear wheel.
• Cup of tea, it’ll help keep you stress-free.

Now you're ready to begin to replace your spoke. If you need to remove your cassette consider that the very first step in this repair job.

Ⅰ. You’ll want to deflate your tire and remove it from the wheel. You’ll then want to remover your rim tape. If your using tubeless tires this will be a lot messier and less fun than a normal tire and tube.

Ⅱ. Remove the old nipple and what is left of your spoke.

Ⅲ. Go to the hub on your wheel and remove the remains of the spoke from there.

Ⅳ. Look at your wheel and it’s the spoking pattern. The new spoke will have to copy this pattern. For instance, if your wheel is 3 cross the spoke will cross over the first 2 spokes on the outside and then will go under the third spoke on it’s the way to the rim. If your wheel is radially spoked this will be easier.

                                                      Image from cyclist.co.uk

Ⅴ. You’ll be needing to have a nipple ready for the spoke that is coming from the hub. The easiest way to get a nipple in place is to use the old spoke and place it through the rim eyelet. Now screw in the nipple and pull it through.

Ⅵ. Now place your flathead screwdriver at the back of the nipple and unscrew the old spoke.
Now start to tighten the new spoke into the nipple. Bring the spoke up to tension. It is easier to use the spoke key than the screwdriver to do this.

                                                     Image from cyclist.co.uk

Ⅶ. Now start to tighten the new spoke into the nipple. Bring the spoke up to tension. It is easier to use the spoke key than the screwdriver to do this.

Ⅷ. Drink your tea and pat yourself on the back.