21'' wheel Spoke spec torque

[TheGammaGhost]

Hey chinariders! have a quick question, I tightened a few of my spokes on accident with out even thinking about the tire alignment, and it resulted in a slight wobble in my front wheel. I jacked my bike up and, and I've got it basically back to normal right now, but i want to know that the spokes aren't to tight or to loose before i put serious miles on.

Anyone know the spec torque pundage they should be at? and, if i went through and set them all to spec, should the tire be about perfectly aligned on the hub?

also, I have no idea about torque wrenches, do they only come in one poundage? and how much would one for this job cost, roughly?

Thanks!

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by TheGammaGhost

Hey chinariders! have a quick question, I tightened a few of my spokes on accident with out even thinking about the tire alignment, and it resulted in a slight wobble in my front wheel. I jacked my bike up and, and I've got it basically back to normal right now, but i want to know that the spokes aren't to tight or to loose before i put serious miles on.

Anyone know the spec torque pundage they should be at? and, if i went through and set them all to spec, should the tire be about perfectly aligned on the hub?

also, I have no idea about torque wrenches, do they only come in one poundage? and how much would one for this job cost, roughly?

Thanks!

I build custom wheels, and I don't trust torque wrenches. I doubt you will find a torque specification for any Chinese motorcycle, and it is just as well.

Spoke torque wrenches are adjustable, and very expensive. Nevertheless, I trust my hands more than any torque wrench. It is difficult to tighten a spoke too tight. Loose spokes are always worse than tight spokes. Use the "ping" test to determine when your spokes are tight enough. Tap the spokes with a screwdriver, or another metal object, and listen for a metallic "ping." If the spoke sounds dull when tapped, you need to tighten it some more.

Spud

[TheGammaGhost]

Ahh, thanks a lot spud!

The "Ping" method worked great, a lot of mine were really loose. Got it all good to go now, thanks again!

[SpudRider]

You're welcome, Gamma. Thanks for posting the update!

Spud

[FastDoc]

I also use the 'ping' test.

There is a good tutorial on www.dansmc.com.

[TheGammaGhost]

Okay i have a problem.


My wheels spoke tensions are all messed up, to correct the original wobble i caused by tightening the loose spokes. I just tightened the opposing spokes. My Bike just doesn't ride the same, at like 20mph it starts to bounce up and down in the front end, and the balance is way off, like gusts of wind affect me way different.

If i can't figure this out, i can buy a whole new rim for around $100 off roketa.

How can i fix this, the whole rim is out of whack i think, the wobble is minimum, but there IS a slight wobble... How would i get all the spokes at EVEN tenstion. any and all help is appreciated, I can't ride like this!

Also, do bike shops do this kind of work, i think its called "trueing a tire".

thanks, ill wait for you guy's responces... :roll:

[FastDoc]

I'd just bring it to the shop and get it done and done safely.

[TheGammaGhost]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

I'd just bring it to the shop and get it done and done safely.

Alright, was hoping that was an option.

I'll give em a call or just bring it in, and see if they can do it, i hope they can.

think it will cost more than a new rim? i hope not, ill find out when i talk to em.

thanks doc

[Wild_Alaskan]

A true up shouldn't be over $100 and you would still need to lace and true a new rim anyways.

Although aluminum rims do hold their true much longer than steel ones. :wink:

[FastDoc]

Most shops are $50-$75/hour and that should be much less than an hour...

[SpudRider]

If you can't find a motorcycle shop to do the job, a bicycle shop might also true your wheel for you. After your wheel is fixed, periodically tighten the spokes to keep the wheel true.

You can also learn to true you wheel by reading information on the internet, and watching videos, such as the one at the link below.



Spud

[SpudRider]

I forget which model bike you own, GG. However, a complete, DB-07 front wheel sells for $85, plus shipping at the Roketa website.

http://www.roketa.com/product/parts_detail.jsp?partId=31846&partName=STEERING%20 ASSEMBLY(5)

Based upon what the shop charges you, you might be better off to purchase a new front wheel, and learn how to true your old wheel yourself. You will then acquire the knowledge to true wheels, and have a second, spare wheel for approximately the price the shop will charge you to fix your current wheel.

Spud

[TheGammaGhost]

update.

Found a local bicycle shop who says he will be able to do it for around 25 bucks, score!

[SpudRider]

Good for you, Gamma! Bicycle shops true bicycle wheels all the time, and bicycle wheels are more difficult to lace and true than motorcycle wheels.

I bet the bicycle repairman will do a better job truing your wheel than a motorcycle shop. After the wheel is repaired, keep the spokes tight, and the wheel will remain true. I strongly suggest you examine the spokes and tighten them every time you change a tire. You can also tighten the spokes periodically while the wheel is attached to the bike, but I check the spokes every time I change a tire, and that practice has proven to be sufficient.

Spud

[TheGammaGhost]

Okay, no luck still. I couldn't find the bike shop that emailed me the quote for 25, there shop is not where they said it was, and the number they gave was the wrong number. I brought it to this powersports shop, and they we're all ready to do it, until i had to tell them it was a Chinese bike. I hate how they refuse to work on these bikes.

The guy at the power sports place told me to buy a whole new rim, and from what WA said, they need to be trued once you get them. The guy at the power sports place said it should come trued.

I have one guy that told me to give him a call next week and he may be able to do it, but who knows if he'll be able to once he takes a look at it, some of the spokes are slightly stripped, but not to bad, you can still turn them. AHHHHHHHGGG. wish i would have NEVER touched my spokes!!!!!!

idk what to do, should i buy the new rim, and hope its trued, im so scared to mess up the spokes again. ARGGGGGGGGGGGG thx