Most modern bicycle wheels consist of three main components: spokes, a rim, and a hub. The strength of the wheel comes from the tension in the spokes. However, after a while, new wheels lose some of their tension, so it's essential to check and adjust them regularly as part of bike maintenance. Spokes are prone to wear and tear and may eventually break, especially under high-stress applications. Luckily, replacing them is a simple three-step process!

 

Step 1: Source the Spoke

To start resolving your issue, you will need to order the correct spoke. Spokes come in different lengths, thicknesses (also called spoke gauge), and colors. Typically, most bicycle wheels use different lengths on either side, with the right side having gears and the left side having brake rotors. Please refer to the chart below for further clarification. Additionally, we have provided links below to online retailers that sell spokes. 


*PLEASE remove and measure your spoke to confirm the length & gauge before placing an order. Some have changed over time.*


 

Model Name
Spoke
Length
Gauge
Suggested Tension
Front-Left/Right
286/286mm
13G
130-160kgf
Rear-Left/Right
243/245mm
13G
130-160kgf
Front-Left/Right
286/286mm
13G
130-160kgf
Rear-Left/Right 
247/249mm
13G
130-160kgf
Roadster Gravel V2
Front-Left/Right
285/287mm
13G
110-150kgf
Rear-Left/Right 
252/254mm12G150-190kgf
CF Racer 1 Road
Front-Left/Right
273/274mm14G130-160kgf
Rear-Left/Right259/257mm14G130-160kgf
CF Racer 1 Gravel
Front-Left/Right
296/297mm14G110-150kgf
Rear-Left/Right282/280mm14G150-190kgf
Core-5
Front-Left/Right
257/258mm
13G
130-160kgf
Rear-Left/Right
215/216mm
13G
130-160kgf
500 Series
Front-Left/Right
267/269mm
13G
130-160kgf
Rear-Left/Right
226/228mm
12G
190kgf +/- 20
Turris
Front-Left/Right
257/258mm13G130-160kgf
Rear-Left/Right215/216mm13G130-160kgf
Cafe Cruiser
Front-Left/Right
256/258mm
13G
110-150kgf
Rear-Left/Right
212/214mm12G150-190kgf
700 Series Shengyi Hub
Motor serial number will start with " SY "
Front-Left/Right
269/271mm
13G
130-160kgf
Rear-Left/Right 
228/230mm
12G
190kgf +/- 20
700 Series Bafang Hub
Motor will have the name " Bafang " on it
Front-Left/Right
269/271mm13G110-150kgf
Rear-Left/Right 
225/227mm12G150-190kgf
LMT'D
Front-Left/Right
257/258mm
13G
130-160kgf
LMT'D MXUS Hub
Rear-Left/Right 
188/189mm
13G
130-160kgf
LMT'D AKM Hub
Rear-Left/Right 
217/219mm13G140-160kgf
Prodigy V1 XR/STLeft/Right270/272mm
13G
110-150kgf
Prodigy V1 XCLeft/Right269/271mm
13G
110-150kgf
Prodigy V2 LX
Front-Left/Right
270/272mm
13G
110-150kgf
Rear-Left/Right 
241/240mm
13G
110-150kgf
Prodigy V2 XR/ST
Left/Right
270/272mm
13G
110-150kgf
Rift
Front-Left/Right
253/254mm13G130-160kgf
Rear-Left/Right 
210/212MM12G130-160kgf
Portola
Front-Left/Right
172/174mm13G130-160kgf
Rear-Left/Right 
130/128mm12G130-160kgf





Step 2: Install The Spoke

Installing spokes can be a time-consuming process. First, the spokes are fitted into the center of the wheel, which is called the hub. Then, they are attached to the threaded nipple in the rim. The hub not only holds the spokes but also the disc brake rotors and cassette, which are the gears in the back. Sometimes, the cassette or rotors may need to be removed in order to install a new spoke. If you do your own bike maintenance, you may already have the necessary tools. However, if you are new to cycling and don't have these tools yet, we've provided some helpful links below. Just click on the word "LINK" to find the information you need.


  • This LINK goes over how to install a spoke
  • This LINK is for a cassette tool
  • This LINK shows how to remove the cassette if your repair requires this step.
  • This LINK shows how to remove the disc rotor if your repair requires this step
  • This LINK shows how to remove your rear wheel if this if your first time




Step 3: True The Wheel

The last step in replacing a spoke is to "true" the wheel. Truing a wheel means adjusting each spoke's tension to make the wheel roll straight. As you may have noticed, half of the spokes come from the right side of the hub and the other half come from the left side. By tightening or loosening a spoke, you can pull the rim to one side or the other. By carefully balancing the tension of each spoke you can achieve a straight rolling and a true wheel. If this is your first time or it has been a while, the following links can help you. 


  • LINK to spoke wrench needed for turning the nipples to manipulate the wheel 
  • LINK on how to true wheel



Bonus Step: Tension Meter

This bonus step is not necessary to get you riding again; however, it can help the wheel last longer and will help optimize the results you get. 


When truing a wheel, it is possible to rely on feeling alone, but for wheels assembled by hand or at a factory, all spokes are tested with a tension meter. This tool applies pressure on the spoke and measures how much it bends, indicating the level of tightness of the spoke. Using a tension meter ensures that all the spokes are adequately tight and also helps ensure that they are evenly tense. This distributes the load evenly across all the spokes, which can help prolong the wheel's lifespan. Uneven tension puts more pressure on some spokes than others, increasing the risk of breakages. By evenly distributing the load, we can ensure that the spokes last for as long as possible.


  • LINK to inexpensive tension meter