Cycling 101: How To Fix A Buckled Bike Wheel

A buckled wheel can quickly turn a smooth cycle ride into a frustrating experience. Whether you've hit a pothole or your bicycle has taken a tumble, a wobbly wheel is not only annoying but can also be dangerous. The good news is that with a bit of knowledge and the right tools, you can often fix a buckled wheel yourself. This guide will walk you through the process, helping you get back on the road safely and smoothly.

Understanding Wheel Buckling

Before we dive into the repair process, it's important to understand what causes a wheel to buckle. Typically, it occurs when the rim is bent or when spoke tension becomes uneven. This can happen due to impacts, accidents, or general wear and tear over time.

Tools You'll Need

• Spoke spanner (nipple driver)
• Truing stand (optional but helpful)
• Cable ties (if you don't have a truing stand)

Step 1: Assess the Damage

First, inspect your wheel carefully. Spin it and observe where it wobbles. If the bend is severe or the rim is cracked, it's best to seek professional help or replace the wheel entirely.

Step 2: Prepare Your Wheel

If you have a truing stand, mount your wheel on it. If not, turn your bicycle upside down and secure it, or use cable ties on the forks or frame as reference points close to the rim.

Step 3: Locate the Buckle

Spin the wheel slowly and identify where it deviates from true. Mark these spots with a piece of sticky tape or chalk.

Step 4: Adjust Spoke Tension

This is the core of the truing process:

• Find the spokes connected to the bent section.
• If the wheel bends to the right, tighten the left spokes or loosen the right spokes in that section.
• If it bends left, do the opposite.
• Make small, quarter-turn adjustments and check your progress frequently.

Step 5: Address Vertical Trueness

If your wheel has up-and-down wobbles:

• Locate the high spot on the rim.
• Tighten spokes on both sides at this point to pull the rim back into line.
• For low spots, loosen spokes on both sides.

Step 6: Fine-Tuning

Continue making small adjustments and spinning the wheel until it runs true. Be patient — this process can take time to get right.

Step 7: Check Spoke Tension

Once your wheel is running true, pluck the spokes like guitar strings. They should all produce similar tones. If some are notably looser or tighter, make minor adjustments to even out the tension.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-tightening spokes: This can cause more damage or even crack the rim.
• Focusing only on side-to-side trueness: Remember to check for vertical trueness as well.
• Rushing the process: Truing a wheel takes time and patience.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your wheel remains stubbornly out of true, if you hear creaking noises, or if you're uncomfortable with the process, don't hesitate to visit your local bicycle shop. Some issues, like cracked rims or severely damaged spokes, are best left to the experts.

Learn Invaluable Skills

Fixing a buckled wheel might seem daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes a valuable skill for any cyclist. Not only can it save you money on repairs, but it also deepens your understanding of your bicycle's mechanics.

Remember, the key is patience and small, incremental adjustments. With this guide, you're well-equipped to tackle minor wheel issues and keep your rides smooth and enjoyable. Happy cycling!

P.S. If you’ve fixed your wheel and are ready to take the next step in your cycling journey, take a look at our cycling coaching packages. Whether you want to conquer the Tour de France or just be comfortable during your rides, we’re here to help.