Spokes.

[DDYB]

Is it safe to cycle with loose/missing spokes?

I was out this morning about 6 miles from home when two of the spokes on my Giant Defy 2.0 came loose (interestingly I hadn't had this problem before I took it to Halfords for the 6 week service)
Anyway I was tightening the spokes by hand but they were coming loose after 500m or so. In the end I had to cycle 4-5 miles with loose/rattling spokes.

Is this dangerous? I'll obviously have the correct tool if it ever happens but just wondering if it was safe to cycle home.

Cheers.

 

[Flying Dodo]

If it was a 36 spoke wheel, it should be fine, if you took it easy. Any fewer and I would have walked home.

 

[oxbob]

Like FD said, 1 or 2 spokes shot take it easy keep the speed down and you should be ok

 

[DDYB]

It's only 28 spoke and as I say two were loose......... Perhaaps I should have wa;led home.

 

[oxbob]

Spin the wheel, does it still look true? even a fair amount of wobble wont take more than an hrs labour/parts £15 in a good lbs

 

[DDYB]

What causes this to happen? I had only done about 60 miles on the bike an ot was fine. It then went into halfords for a 6 week servive and first time out on the bike two spokes have come loose........

 

[just4fun]

can you pm me your thoughts on the defy 2 as im planning to buy one in the next few weeks

 

[oxbob]

Just put it down to bad luck/bedding in.Even if Halfrauds had checked the spokes it would only be a sweep round the wheel with fingers to find loose spokes

 

[Radius]

The rim could buckle because of the lack of support, especially since it's 2 spokes. If you didn't die then doesn't that sort of answer your question?

 

[DDYB]

Could it be due to my weight?
I'm just over 20st.

 

[oxbob]

To be frank, yes.Don't repeat don't let this put you off riding!!! most off the peg bikes dont come with decent wheelsets until you hit the £1k mark.try as much to stay on smooth road surfaces,avoid potholes/drain covers and check your wheels before each ride(the brush round with fingers to feel for loose spokes)

 

[DDYB]

Just before I take to my bike with a tool kit............. Is it possible to fix these loose spokes myself?
I thought it would just be a case of tightening the 'screw' at the wheel end of the spoke........... Am I over simplifying the procedure?

 

[oxbob]

Just before I take to my bike with a tool kit............. Is it possible to fix these loose spokes myself?
I thought it would just be a case of tightening the 'screw' at the wheel end of the spoke........... Am I over simplifying the procedure?

As long as the rim is still true you will be fine, just tighten them 1/8 a turn after the nipple feels tight