Spoke Tension

[Banjo]

Is there any way to know if your spokes are tensioned correctly.Just had two replaced in the back wheel so currently the wheel is set up by the bike mechanic there who seems to be very thorough.

Inevitably they must slacken or stretch a bit over time ,how will I know?

 

[numbnuts]

you can buy one of these or do it by sound

 

[PpPete]

Go round the wheel plucking (like guitar string) every spoke on the drive side. Should all have a clear ringing sound - and all be quite similar note.

Then same on other side. Note will be lower, but again they all should be similar to each other.

So long as the wheel remains reasonably true and the tensions (on each side) are reasonably even then you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Banjo]

Thanks for the replies.The spoke gauge would be nice but at 50 odd quid I think the guitar strumming method will have to do.

I think I will run my fingers around other peoples spokes to get a feel of whats normal.Have to be carefull though some of them would prefer you ran your fingers over their wifes/husbands than touched their bike. :-)

 

[accountantpete]

Thanks for the replies.The spoke gauge would be nice but at 50 odd quid I think the guitar strumming method will have to do.

I think I will run my fingers around other peoples spokes to get a feel of whats normal.Have to be carefull though some of them would prefer you ran your fingers over their wifes/husbands than touched their bike. :-)

You have to be very careful - the correct tension on one rim might be over the top on another.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Hi Banjo you might want to see this:

http://www.bikexprt.com/bicycle/tension.htm

 

[hubgearfreak]

Hi Banjo you might want to see this:

he may or may not, but it's in my bookmarks. thanks for the link

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

he may or may not, but it's in my bookmarks. thanks for the link

Welcome. I thought if BANJO can't get his spokes pitch perfect, who can?