porkypete said:
Spokes should all be evenly tensioned. You can check by plucking (like a guitar string). Should all be similar high clear note. 700c wheels with DB spokes should be around about the A above middle C - or so I've read. If they are significantly slacker than there is insufficient tension to stop the nipples unwinding.
Do not let anyone tell you threadlocker is the answer. It is, at best, a "sticking plaster" solution.
Hmmmm, had a bit of an issue with my other bike, the hybrid on Friday (not the one I changed the spoke on in the OP). When I set off I could hear a bit of a rubbing noise coming from the rear wheel, I was listening out for other noises due to some creaking from the handlebars (another thread about that one
)
Anyway, I got off the bike and sure enough the spokes on the back wheel felt a bit loose. Took it easy riding home and got around to taking a look today.
I started by plucking them as suggested, most sounded dead, so proceeded to tighten them. Spun the wheel and OMG
didn't realise how much of an effect a turn or two has on the rim, completely out of true now with the rim kicking right over to one side in parts. Panicked a bit, then just started adjusting bit by bit, it now seems to be fairly true and felt ok on a test ride. So on the front wheel which also had some dead sounding spokes, I just tightened every one by an equal amount and seems to have held true.
On the rear, the drive side seems to be quite a bit tighter than the non drive side, is this because of the length effectively been different because of the dishing?
I think for peace of mind I might get them checked by LBS but at least I know I can effect a quick fix if necessary.
Another question, my spoke key has multiple numbers, mine were a fit for number 15, what does the number represent?