Just have 55 miles on my new Radmini 4, really enjoying it on paved hilly roads around our area. So nice to get out and away from the house! Today noticed a noise from the rear wheel when riding with power or no power. Wheel spins freely with no weight on it. Then noticed that a half dozen spokes are slightly bent. See picture below, paper is for contrast. I sent Rad Support a note along with the picture. The wheel, rims and tire spin true. Considering straightening by hand and tightening spokes. Any similar experiences??
Radmini 4 Bent Spokes
- Thread starter ghmb
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fooferdoggie
Well-Known Member
they are loose a common problem with rad rear tires. I would go to a bike shop the works on wheels and have them fix the wheel.
GypsyTreker
Well-Known Member
You can purchase these small compact round adjuster tools online. Just make it a habit to check your spokes before you go riding. Loose spokes, when checked for, stand out when you touch them. By the way, those are loose not " bent".
fooferdoggie
Well-Known Member
12 gauge spikes use a larger then normal spike wrench.
Tars Tarkas
Well-Known Member
It's hard to tell from the picture but my guess is the spoke(s) just needs tightening. The right spoke adjuster (aka wrench, as illustrated above) is necessary. I would try tightening them first, no more than enough to get them to feel like the rest of the spokes -- certainly not enough to warp the rim. Don't overdo it!
This is the first I've heard of spoke problems with Rad bikes in a long time, but adjusting spokes is in just about the same category as checking your tire pressure. Spokes are expected to need checking periodically and adjusting if necessary. With care and a gentle touch you can most likely get by without having a truing stand. If the rim is warped, that takes things to a different level. You would know if you're up to it on a DIY basis, but it's probably usually going to be a job for your LBS.
TT
This is the first I've heard of spoke problems with Rad bikes in a long time, but adjusting spokes is in just about the same category as checking your tire pressure. Spokes are expected to need checking periodically and adjusting if necessary. With care and a gentle touch you can most likely get by without having a truing stand. If the rim is warped, that takes things to a different level. You would know if you're up to it on a DIY basis, but it's probably usually going to be a job for your LBS.
TT
My wife has a radmini step thru and I compared the tension when using a small wrench, hers were definitely tighter than mine. After viewing video's I carefully tightened around the rim first one side then the other, matching the tension as I went around. To my surprise it took 3-6 quarter turns on each spoke to tension it up to about what my wife's radmini is. After test riding, the sound stopped. The more I inspect the spokes the more it looks like a natural bend between the spoke rim nut and where it goes over the top of its mate spoke to the hub. I'll keep an eye on it and look forward to rad's support reply. I also tightened up the front wheel which was just as loose. Thanks for the insights!
AHicks
Well-Known Member
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This would be my vote as well. WORST case, your repair doesn't work out well and you have to take it to a shop to get it taken care of. BEST case, you learned something new and have the satisfaction of a job well done, and you are one step closer to being on your way to doing all of your own bike repairs.
Ebike Jeffery
New Member
Question? Does anyone know the exact length of the spokes for the rad mini series line of bikes? They tell you that it's a 12 gauge spoke which is a well and good but they leave out the most Important part which is the spoke length.
stanmiller
Active Member
It happens. But usually only one or two.
The spokes are loose and need to be tightened. You'll need a spoke wrench and tighten slow (1/4 turn each step) while moving between spokes and sides. This ensures the wheel is tightened evenly. Otherwise, it will get out of true.
And before you begin, lubricate the spoke nipples with linseed oil. Then when complete wipe the excess clean.
This video is outstanding.
stanmiller
Active Member
You can get pretty close by measuring with a taut string down the length of the spoke. Then measure the string against a metric ruler. You can be off by a few millimeters and still ok. Also, measure a spoke on the same side as the one you want to replace as they can be different lengths relative to the wheel dish.
Ebike Jeffery
New Member
You can but suppose I don't want to? Suppose I found a better deal on stronger spokes elsewhere?
The bikes are amazing but my issue with RAD is that when it comes to sourcing parts and self repair they tend to leave out very important bits of information on their website such as the length of the spokes, the spoke length might not be the same every time but as stanmiller just mentioned you can be off by a few millimeters, so why not just give us an average and save us the hassle?
I've been trying to repair a cracked rim and I haven't contacted RAD about it not because it wouldent be easier but more so just to prove that you don't always need a repair shop or customer support when you can actually do it yourself (I'm stubborn
) and I've finally managed to source all of the parts I need minus the spokes, but it was difficult for various reasons and RAD being obscure with the specifications and sizes didn't make things easier for me. Anyhow I don't want to derail the conversation in this thread I will just update my thread with my progress.
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