Spokes

[BrizzleBoy]

My new bike has developed a rather irritating sound. It doesn't sound serious but more like the sound you would expect from a kiddies bike when they have plastic balls which move up and down on the spokes

It doesnt make the noise if I am off the bike and lift the back wheel and either turn the cranks or throttle.I have removed the reflector also in case it was that. I am assuming I may have a loose spoke - is this likely after 2 weeks and 150 miles? None of them appear loose but there again a proper tool for the job is needed?

Any suggestions welcomed ( apart from turn the volume up on my in bike stereo )

Cheers

 

[stokepa31_mk2]

could well be the case. my torq's front wheel had problems at about the same mileage and ended up having a wheel rebuild. The spokes are machine tightened and its not always done right. have a feel round the spokes to see if any feel different and tighted the rogue spoke to the same tension as the others

 

[Andy Day]

Ping the spokes with a screwdriver. They should all give a bright note, if any spoke is loose or broken it will give a duller and flatter sound.

Alternatively may be a bearing problem, possible dry. I've had similar noises from both bottom bracket and wheels when they need greasing and readjustment. Repack with high melting point grease, but be careful not to overtighten a cone bearing if your bike has them, leave the tiniest amount of play at the rim or end of crank if it's a bottom bracket problem.

 

[BrizzleBoy]

Thanks for advice , now need some more

I knew things were going too well - normally me and bike maintenance do not agree.

Purchased a spoke tightener tonight as the noise was getting ridiculous. Went round and found that most of the spokes in the rear wheel needed little persuasion to tighten bar a few that appeared pretty tight.

Now the wheel is so out of true it is untrue. I have had to undo the rear brake so that it can rotate at all.

I have a very nasty feeling that it will have to be rebuilt unless anyone has any ideas. Where would I take it and how much is it likely to cost ( hub motor in this wheel as wisper 905SE ). My first step will be to loosen a turn at a time on each spoke.

Yours dejectedly

 

[flecc]

Question. Regardless of the out of true, has the noise gone away when it's ridden?

If so, it's a case of getting a cycle dealer to retrue the wheel for you.

Many bike dealers don't like touching electric motor wheels, but Powabyke dealers won't be scared by the idea. If you use the link below you'll be able to locate a Powabyke dealer near to you:

Powabyke dealer directory

On the other hand, if the noise hasn't gone yet and it's there still after re-truing the wheel, it could be a bearing problem. That's not the big problem it might sound, so let's cross that bridge later if we come to it.
.

 

[BrizzleBoy]

Hi Flecc

Thanks for the quick reply. Indeed the noise has gone. There is a Powabyke dealer only a few miles away so will try them.

 

[flecc]

That's good news. Hopefully you'll soon be riding and smiling again.
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[BrizzleBoy]

Hope so. I will have to dust down my trusty old steed tomorrow ( just hope it isn't sulking as it has had its nose pushed out ).

Also better leave 20 minutes earlier tomorrow ....

 

[BrizzleBoy]

Just to say thanks Flecc for the Powabyke dealer tip - he didn't bat an eyelid, retrued the wheel, sorted out the back brake I had made a mess of and lifted the bike on to the car rack for my missus all for the sum of £12. Perhaps we should have a sticky for Great customer service

Back running beautifully with no musical overtones

Very happy again and wallet still intact

 

[flecc]

Brilliant, very good news. Powabyke and their dealers often deserve medals for good service, good by general bike shop standards, and almost unique in the e-bike world.
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[Tiberius]

Where's my nearest one?
I need work on both my front and back wheels.

Nick

Somerset BA9

 

[BrizzleBoy]

Hares Cycleworks

9 Crown Hill
Weston Village
Bath
BA1 4BP

There is one in Devizes which may be nearer to BA9 ?

 

[flecc]

Here's the link to the Somerset ones Nick, not sure of the postcodes though. Two are approved service centres, but most should look after wheel problems ok:

Somerset

P.S. Post crossed with BrizzleBoy's.
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[BrizzleBoy]

Fleccs link looks more local to you in Wincanton

 

[Tiberius]

Thanks guys,

A couple of those are quite close. Well, outside cycling distance, but close by rural standards.

Nick

 

[ElephantsGerald]

Are all Powabyke dealers likley to be able to help?

My nearest Powabyke dealer seems to be a motorbike shop rather than a cycle shop: Motor Cycle Centre (Hereford) Ltd.

Regards,

Elephants

 

[flecc]

Are all Powabyke dealers likley to be able to help?

My nearest Powabyke dealer seems to be a motorbike shop rather than a cycle shop: Motor Cycle Centre (Hereford) Ltd.

Regards,

Elephants

Not necessarily, but at least they don't turn owners down flat as so many cycle shops do when seeing an electric, and there are many instances of very good service. I wouldn't write off a motorcycle shop either necessarily. There was a long period post war when cycle and motor cycle were often a common trade and that's how I started in the trade, on both.
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