Torquing spokes
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 255
Likes: 75
From: Nj
Torquing spokes
Can anyone please explain alignment marks on spoke nipples.i read the manual and it's not clear to me how to perform the spoke adjustment. I sure don't want to pull my wheel out of true. I know about the ting tong method but I want to check torque. Thanks
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
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From: Knoxville, Tn
Spoke Wheels
I wouldn't attempt it without a trueing stand...Just tap on the spokes one at a time and listen for the tune. If any are flat, you can tighten them to the specific torque but you can't true them either laterally or radially without a stand. Also note that tightening them too much can cause the nipples to pull through the rim.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 15,990
Likes: 7,111
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Since thread corrosion can be a problem, using a spoke torque wrench won't work. Unless all the threads are equally corroded. And that's not going to happen. Best to stick with your "ting-tong" method.
Over tight spokes generally don't break. It's the "loose" spokes that shear at the 90 degree area, even though it's thicker. A broken spoke puts add'l stress on the spokes next to it, raising their chances of breakage. Breaking more than 3 or 4 spokes and wheel integrity can become a situation. Especially 2-up. With a flat tire. In the rain. In fog. At night. In the middle of nowhere...
Over tight spokes generally don't break. It's the "loose" spokes that shear at the 90 degree area, even though it's thicker. A broken spoke puts add'l stress on the spokes next to it, raising their chances of breakage. Breaking more than 3 or 4 spokes and wheel integrity can become a situation. Especially 2-up. With a flat tire. In the rain. In fog. At night. In the middle of nowhere...
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 255
Likes: 75
From: Nj
I was just trying to complete my 1000 mile service .checking spoke torque is the last item. The bike is new so I hope I don't have corrosion already. I have a spike torque wrench preset st 55 inch lbs.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
hmmm.... alignment marks on the nipples... I sure didn't see any on mine.
However if you want to check your torque, raise your front wheel off the ground, and starting at your air valve, torque-check every 4th spoke, until you've turned the wheel at least 4 revolutions. That way you're not pulling it out of true in one specific spot.
However if you want to check your torque, raise your front wheel off the ground, and starting at your air valve, torque-check every 4th spoke, until you've turned the wheel at least 4 revolutions. That way you're not pulling it out of true in one specific spot.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 255
Likes: 75
From: Nj
Thanks for the info. I think the manual wants your spoke nipple to be in the same position on the rim.not the same side of the nipple but in the same position in relation to the rim. Not sure why.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,686
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From: Glen Mills, PA
I may be wrong but i have not heard of much or any need to be retorquing the spokes. I check mine by ear with a wrench and listen for what sounds like dead spokes (less ting) when i clean the wheels feim time to time.
Looking to see what others says on this.
Looking to see what others says on this.
Last edited by Ben221; Jul 26, 2018 at 07:49 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Nj
I'm just going by the service manual. 1000 mile service says check spoke torque. Thanks for the reply.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 242
From: Glen Mills, PA
Check youtube as there a ton of videos on spokes. Its easy to mess it up.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
You don't. Unless you've checked your torque and then checked the 'ting'. BTW the 'ting' check, is basically the same maintenance check as 'kicking the tires'...