I’ve recently acquired a 1991 Marin Eldridge Grade. It’s in pretty good shape… until I started breaking it down to inspect, regrease, and true the rear wheel, which is when I noticed the spokes were damaged. I believe I should replace them, however, I can’t simply unlace 1 at a time. I’d hoped I could, but it looks like I’ll have to loosen all of them and remove all of the nipples from same side so I can get the spokes out. Is this correct or am I over thinking it? I’ve never had to replace spokes before.
by gladhandbart
4 Comments
If you’ve never replaced spokes before, I would read up on the process of wheelbuilding before you get in deep over your head.
Note that this is a 32-spoke wheel that is built *four-cross*, which is *exceptionally weird*, and has resulted in the spokes crossing over the heads of the adjacent spokes. This is generally considered to be A Bad Thing, among other reasons because (as you have discovered) it prevents you from replacing individual spokes.
Yeah you would have to also remove at least the nipple of the spoke that’s covering the head of the spoke you want to replace. Then you can rotate that one out of the way and replace the bad spoke.
That said, they don’t look too bad to me. They may well last as long as the brake track.
I suggest you ride the bike as is. If one of the spokes breaks it won’t be the end of the world. And that may never even happen.
Minor scratches. Just ride it.