How to Replace Spokes on Enduro 315 Carbon Wheels

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Replacing spokes on your Enduro 315 Carbon [paid link] wheels from Industry Nine is a crucial maintenance task that ensures your wheels remain in peak [paid link] performance condition. Whether you’ve broken a spoke during a ride or are just performing routine maintenance, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps to complete the job.

Tools Required

  • Spoke wrench (specific to the spoke nipple size)
  • 3mm and 5mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • Tension meter (for accurate spoke tension measurement)
  • New spokes (proper length and gauge)
  • Spoke nipples (matching the original ones)
  • Rim tape (if required)
  • Valve stem removal tool (optional, if removing the valve stem)
  • Hub tool [paid link] (to remove the hub if necessary)
  • Lubricant (for the spoke nipples)
  • Truing stand (for wheel alignment)
  • Radial tension gauge (optional, for fine adjustments)

Preparing the Wheel for Spoke Replacement

Before you begin replacing the spokes on your Enduro 315 Carbon [paid link] wheels, you need to properly prepare the wheel to avoid unnecessary complications. It’s essential to work in a clean and organized space to ensure all parts are easily accessible.

Step 1: Remove the Wheel from the Bike

  • Use a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link] to remove the wheel from the bike’s frame or fork. Be sure to store the wheel in a secure place where it won’t get damaged.

Step 2: Inspect the Wheel and Identify the Broken Spokes

  • Carefully inspect your Enduro 315 Carbon wheel to locate the broken or damaged spokes. It’s best to identify all broken spokes before proceeding so you can replace them all at once.

Step 3: Remove the Tire and Tubeless Sealant (if applicable)

  • If you have a tubeless setup, you’ll need to remove the tire and any tubeless sealant before proceeding. This will give you full access to the rim and spokes. Use tire levers to remove the tire, and carefully clean any excess sealant off the rim.

Removing the Broken Spokes

Step 1: Loosen the Broken Spokes

  • Use a spoke wrench to loosen the spoke nipples on the broken spokes. Turn each nipple counterclockwise to release the tension. If the spoke nipple is stubborn, apply a small amount of lubricant to make it easier to turn.

Step 2: Remove the Broken Spokes from the Rim and Hub

  • Once the spoke nipples are fully loosened, you can remove the broken spokes from the rim and the hub. To remove the spoke from the hub, you may need to use a hub tool [paid link] to release the spoke from the hub flange.

Step 3: Inspect the Rim and Hub

  • While you have the broken spokes removed, take the opportunity to inspect the rim and hub for any signs of damage. Check the spoke holes on the rim for cracks or elongation. Inspect the hub flange for any damage or wear.

Installing New Spokes on the Enduro 315 Carbon Wheels

Step 1: Prepare the New Spokes

  • Select new spokes that match the length, gauge, and style of the original spokes. It’s crucial to use spokes that are compatible with the Enduro 315 Carbon wheel to ensure proper tension and strength.

Step 2: Insert the New Spokes into the Rim

  • Starting from the correct spoke hole, thread each spoke through the rim. Ensure that each spoke is properly oriented according to the lacing pattern (typically a three-cross pattern). You can refer to a spoke diagram to ensure the proper lacing configuration.

Step 3: Thread the Spokes into the Hub

  • After inserting the spokes into the rim, you can now thread them into the hub flange. Make sure the spoke is seated properly in the hub and that it’s threaded in the correct direction to avoid cross-threading.

Step 4: Tighten the Spoke Nipples

  • Hand-tighten the spoke nipples onto the spokes. Be careful not to overtighten them at this point, as you’ll be adjusting them later to ensure proper tension.

Truing the Wheel and Adjusting Spoke Tension

Step 1: Place the Wheel in a Truing Stand

  • Secure the wheel in a truing stand to check for any lateral or radial wobble. Spin the wheel slowly and observe any deviation from true. The truing stand will allow you to make precise adjustments.

Step 2: Adjust the Spokes for Tension

  • Using a spoke wrench, begin tightening or loosening the spokes to remove any wobble. Start by tightening the spokes that are too loose and loosening those that are too tight. As you adjust each spoke, keep checking the wheel for true. Use a tension meter to ensure that the spokes are evenly tensioned across the wheel.

Step 3: Ensure Even Tension Across All Spokes

  • After you’ve made your initial adjustments, use a radial tension gauge or a spoke tension meter to measure the tension on each spoke. Make sure all spokes are within the specified tension range for your Enduro 315 Carbon wheels.

Step 4: Recheck the Wheel for True

  • After adjusting spoke tension, spin the wheel again in the truing stand to check for any remaining lateral or radial wobble. Make further adjustments as necessary until the wheel is perfectly true.

Final Steps and Reinstallation

Step 1: Install the Tire and Sealant

  • If you removed the tire earlier, reinstall it onto the rim. If you use tubeless tires, be sure to add fresh tubeless sealant before sealing the tire. Use tire levers carefully to avoid damaging the rim.

Step 2: Reinstall the Wheel on the Bike

  • Once the tire is in place and properly inflated, reinstall the wheel onto your bike frame or fork. Tighten the axle nuts or quick-release lever to secure the wheel firmly.

Step 3: Test Ride and Recheck the Wheel

  • After reinstalling the wheel, take your bike for a short test ride to ensure everything feels smooth and stable. Recheck the spoke tension and wheel trueness after the test ride, as spokes can settle and require minor adjustments.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue 1: Difficulty Achieving Proper Tension

  • If you’re having trouble achieving proper spoke tension, make sure that the spokes are the correct length and gauge. Sometimes, incorrectly sized spokes can cause uneven tension, making it difficult to properly true the wheel.

Issue 2: Wobbling After Replacement

  • If your wheel continues to wobble after replacing the spokes, double-check that each spoke is properly tightened and evenly tensioned. It might also help to go back through the truing process and make finer adjustments.

Issue 3: Noise from the Hub

  • If the hub is making noise after replacing the spokes, check that the spokes are properly seated in the hub flange. Additionally, ensure that the hub bearings are well-lubricated and that the freehub mechanism is functioning properly.

Conclusion

Replacing the spokes on your Enduro 315 Carbon wheels can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a step-by-step approach, it is a manageable process. By following the instructions carefully, you can ensure your wheels remain strong, true, and ready for any riding conditions. Proper maintenance and attention to detail will help extend the lifespan of your wheels and ensure a smooth, comfortable ride.