| I decided to be a bit bold and took on the challenge of | | | | to the space between the brakes pads. A slight bent |
| a single track mountain trail. I was really into it, feeling | | | | may be repairable by simply tightening up the spoke on |
| good and hitting the turns. My insides were churning, | | | | the opposite side, but you will need a spoke wrench. |
| keeping pace with my whirling legs. I wasn't paying | | | | You may have to do this a few times before you get |
| attention when I hit a rock. Later that night I noticed my | | | | it right. After a few tries take the bike for a spin. |
| mountain bike wheel, the back one was slightly bent. | | | | Of course if all of this is just too much for you, it may |
| My first thought, "Oh no, now I have to buy a new | | | | be better to bring your bike to the mechanic for a |
| mountain bike wheel." But first I did a little research and | | | | balancing test - this will provide you with more |
| this is what I came up with. | | | | accurate results. |
| Wheel is just a little bent | | | | Wheel is Very Wobbly |
| Mountain bike wheels are designed to be sturdy. | | | | Does your wheel look warped? While your bike is |
| Usually they can take an unbelievable beating. | | | | upside down, thrust the wheel very hard and make it |
| Nevertheless how much a bike wheel can handle | | | | spin two or three times. Check the hubs. The wheel |
| depends on the model. Certain factors to consider are | | | | should spin freely but if wobbles and looks lopsided, |
| the suspension, the material of the rims, traction of the | | | | you can still attempt to adjust the spokes but be |
| tire, and whether the tire has a tube or not. | | | | warned, it is just a matter of time before the rough |
| A bent wheel is usually the result of lose tension. If | | | | mountain terrain takes it toll on your wheel. This will |
| there are no dents in the rim, it may be repairable. If | | | | eventually effect your braking and could have an |
| you see a slight bent, the first thing to look for is a | | | | impact on your safety. To save money, you can lace |
| wobble in the rotation. A tiny amount can be | | | | on a new rim on your old hub. However, at the end of |
| acceptable as long as it is not visual. The best way to | | | | the day, you want to keep your wheels as true as |
| determine this is to flip the bike upside down and spin | | | | possible - which may mean buying a brand new wheel, |
| the tire. Get eye level with the tire and look to see if | | | | or even a whole new wheel set. |
| wobbles or not. Remember to pay particular attention | | | | |