Spokes: replace two or all?

[palinurus]

Not my bike- I've been fixing the rear brake on a friend's old Dawes bike. Old Weinmann cantis, needed new cable and outer, brake pads.

While making final adjustments noticed the rear wheel was a bit out of true, then while feeling the spokes for the loose one found two broken.

Bike is fairly old and neglected. 26" wheels, 6 speed freewheel, definitely the original wheel. I'm going to assume the hub is serviceable (sounds OK, little play).

Given that low cost is important replacing two spokes would be cheap, but since two have gone and the wheel is pretty old may be a case for rebuilding the wheel completely. Only gets used for short local trips so I'm considering replacing two and seeing how it goes.

I've never had to get a freewheel off- what's required, just a chain whip?

 

[fossyant]

You'll need a freewheel remover - look much like a hyperglide tool - depends upon make.

Oh, and if anything like my freewheel (on a well maintained wheel) - a garden hoe attached to the end of the spanner - came off eventually....

 

[mickle]

You'll need the correct freewheel removing tool and a vice ideally, although a large adjustable will do. Shi**no require a splined tool, Suntour are either two or four pin depending on the age.

It's worth trying to replace just the two spokes before embarking on a full rebuild. The trouble is though, as I'm sure you're aware, that the failure of two spokes indicates that all the spokes have suffered wear damage from being ridden on loose for too long. You run the risk having to replace each of them individually. Chuck them in, don't try to achieve full spoke tension and you might get away with it.

 

[palinurus]

Thanks. Freewheel is likely a Suntour, I think I know someone who'll be able to remove it. If he can't do it I'll suggest one of the LBSs.

 

[accountantpete]

I'd check that the spoke holes in the hub are ok - thay can get worn over time and develop a sharp edge leading to spoke failure.