New rim or spokes?

[chris97]

Hello all,
I was in the garage earlier getting my bike ready for spring (gy-5), and while checking my rear spokes, I discovered to my horror, two broken spokes!!
Long story short, I've got a 18" rear rim,and I'm having a heck of a time finding spokes, or better yet, a replacement wheel. I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.

Thanks for the help!!!
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab45/cbowt1127/IMG_0918.jpg

[FastDoc]

Great pic!

Spokes should be very easily available. Spud has a place he likes to use, Buchannen Spokes and Wheels, IIRC. I'd remove or measure what you need and call them or send them the spoke to have it matched up.

Tightening the spokes on Chinabikes is very important...

[katoranger]

Worst case scenario would be a new wheel. I have one, but try for spokes first. Check with Bruce too. member ejcycles.

[SpudRider]

Both FastDoc, and Allen have given you excellent advice. :)

Spud :)

[katoranger]

Best to call Bruce. 330-274-0098

http://www.endlessjourneycycles.net/

[ejcycles]

Hi guys

First of all the bike pictured may not be a Lifan, & it's not a GY-5.

For better terms it is a GY-2 Styled bike. The forks are not inverted, the tank plastic, side panels rear fender, tail light assembly, tool kit & were it's mounted are GY-2 styled. It may be a HiBird, Roketta, or another off-brand. I say another off-brand due to the fact that Lifan didn't ever use that kind of Head Light/Fairing assembly. Turn signals are not Lifan. Mirrors are a good choice, Emgo foldaway, they fold down to the handlebar crossbar so they don't get damaged while trail riding. Not ripping on your bike just telling you what I see from your picture.

Anyway... I have some 18" spokes in stock for GY-5 & GY-2 Lifan bikes. I suggest you measure the broken spokes & let me know the length so I can make sure the ones I have are correct... a lot of them are interchangeable. I also need to know if you need inner or outer spokes.

[chris97]

Well, you know your bikes, and I sure appreciate your help. I'll measure the spokes and give you a ring tomorrow.

Thanks a million!!!

[NFJ79]

Hmmm...My Gy-2 is my first motorcycle with spoke wheels. I know what I'll be doing this weekend. Checking my spokes!

[SpudRider]

Hmmm...My Gy-2 is my first motorcycle with spoke wheels. I know what I'll be doing this weekend. Checking my spokes!
Spoke maintenance is an important safety concern for all dual sport riders. ;) Everyone should own a good spoke wrench. Inspect your spokes regularly, and keep them tight. :)

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

I don't know if this is the best procedure or not, but I tap each spoke to hear the sound. You quickly learn to distinguish the "ting" sound of a tight spoke.

[SpudRider]

I don't know if this is the best procedure or not, but I tap each spoke to hear the sound. You quickly learn to distinguish the "ting" sound of a tight spoke.
That's exactly the method I employ, WaG. ;) Unless one is obsessive/compulsive, it's difficult to overtighten spokes. ;) Loose spokes cause the most problems. If the spokes "ping" nicely after you tighten them, they are properly tensioned. :)

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

Sorry. I meant ping. :lol:

[SpudRider]

Sorry. I meant ping. :lol:
I'm think those words are synonyms. :lol:

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

'Ting' is Chinglish for 'ping' and therefore correct in this circumstance!

LOL!

[NFJ79]

Stupid question but what do you use to tap it with to get the ping sound?

[FastDoc]

Anything. i tap them with whatever tool is at hand, as long as it's metal. You can even plink it with your fingernail but that hurts after a while...

[SpudRider]

Stupid question but what do you use to tap it with to get the ping sound?
You can use a screwdriver, or any metal object. ;) Since I am getting ready to tighten any loose spokes I might find, I usually tap the spokes with a spoke wrench. :)

Spud :)