Can i straighten my bicycle wheel by adjusting the spokes?

Question

If so, how?

Answer 1

it depends.  you can true a wheel where you adress small wavers, spoke tension and dishing problems.  actual damage requires repairs be made though.

you can true a wheel using your brake pads as guides. it is best to always tighten spokes versus loosening them.  also your spokes should all have about the same tension.  you can kind of tell by plucking then like strings on a guitar.  if you end up with some very tight, and others very loose it is a sign the wheel is actually damaged and needs replaced.

also, dont stray too far.  very tight or loose spokes can cause the wheel to actually buckle and fail.  as you practice more you can get a truing stand to get more percise in it.

i would also hesitate to mess with some of these ultra light wheels that only have a few spokes.  many of them have very little room for error, and you are likely to find yourself in a real nasty wreck.

Answer 2

Yes.

First, gather a spoke wrench and a truing stand. Place the wheel on the stand- it is best to remove tire and tube.

1) Locate the worst part of the warp in the rim and determine which way it is moving- left or right- and determine the spoke closest to it. We'll call it the "main spoke". Also, try to determine the "length" of the warp.

2) Follow the spoke to the hub and determine whether the main spoke is on the same side as the warp or on the opposite side.

3a) If the warp and main spoke are on the SAME side, loosen the main spoke 1/2 turn and tighten the spokes- numbers 2 and 3- on either side 1/4 turn. Relieve the twisting tension from turning the spokes by squeezing them together firmly- like plucking a harp. If the warp extends beyond these three spokes, loosen the main 1/2 turn, tighten the ones on either side 1/4 turn, and loosen the ones next to them- numbers 4 and 5- 1/8 turn.

3b) If the warp and main spoke are on OPPOSING sides, loosen the spokes on either side of the main spoke 1/4 turn and tighten the main spoke 1/2 turn. If the warp extends beyond these three spokes, tighten spokes 4 and 5 1/8 turn, spokes 2 and 3 1/4 turn, and the main spoke 1/2 turn.

4) If necessary, repeat the process. Never go more than 1/2 turn at a time on any spoke unless you know what you are doing.

5) Once all the warps are removed, check for round. I'm tired of typing so if you need this process email me.

EDIT: Hate to disagree with Phoster, but you should NEVER just tighten spokes to remove warps. ALWAYS use an even method of tightening and loosening or your wheel will end up with flats and high spots.

Answer 3

yes, loosen the spokes . rough it by hand if is way off. Place the wheel on the bike. tighten the spokes to pull in direction desired , then tighten the opposing spoke.

of course you need a spoke adjuster