Thorn Cycles Forum

Technical => General Technical => Topic started by: swayzak on December 12, 2025, 12:13:00 PM

Title: 2 snapped spokes with rim buckled - safe to ride?
Post by: swayzak on December 12, 2025, 12:13:00 PM
Hello

Got to work today on my old Marin MB and noticed 2 snapped rear spokes, and quite marked buckling of the rim

Still spins without rubbing anything and the hydraulic brakes to working

Difficult to be certain I know, but would this be safe to ride 6 or 7 miles to my local bike shop? Or should I get an uber home & take it in the car tomorrow?

Thanks
Title: Re: 2 snapped spokes with rim buckled - safe to ride?
Post by: Jags on December 12, 2025, 05:26:04 PM
i wouldnt chance it meself.
Title: Re: 2 snapped spokes with rim buckled - safe to ride?
Post by: mickeg on December 12, 2025, 06:06:23 PM
Not sure what buckled means.

I suspect that I can't offer a valid opinion early enough to help if you are at work right now.  I assume you are six or more time zones east of me.  And this may be too late.

But, I will throw in my two cents worth.  Ride slow, avoid bumps, do not pedal hard which could put more torque on the hub.

If it is disc brake, don't use the rear brake unless you really need to.  That also puts torque on the hub.  But rim brakes do not put much additional stress on the spokes.

But if your rim damage looks bad, then maybe not.
Title: Re: 2 snapped spokes with rim buckled - safe to ride?
Post by: swayzak on December 12, 2025, 10:33:59 PM
Thanks both

Decided not to risk it - picking it up by car tomorrow and off to LBS
Title: Re: 2 snapped spokes with rim buckled - safe to ride?
Post by: PH on December 12, 2025, 11:41:52 PM
Thanks both

Decided not to risk it - picking it up by car tomorrow and off to LBS
Good choice IMO.  It would probably have been OK, but if not the consequence is a wrecked wheel, which just seems an unnecessary risk.
Title: Re: 2 snapped spokes with rim buckled - safe to ride?
Post by: Andyb1 on December 13, 2025, 07:53:29 AM
You seem to have been unlucky with bikes giving problems lately Swayzak - hope your car does not break down!
Title: Re: 2 snapped spokes with rim buckled - safe to ride?
Post by: UKTony on December 13, 2025, 10:29:19 AM
Fingers crossed the bike is still there when you go to pick it up, two broken spokes and a buckled wheel ought to be a good anti-theft deterrent!
Title: Re: 2 snapped spokes with rim buckled - safe to ride?
Post by: swayzak on December 13, 2025, 12:00:38 PM
You seem to have been unlucky with bikes giving problems lately Swayzak - hope your car does not break down!

It's my trusty 2003 Honda Accord Tourer so I'm quietly confident..
Title: Re: 2 snapped spokes with rim buckled - safe to ride?
Post by: swayzak on December 13, 2025, 12:03:14 PM
Fingers crossed the bike is still there when you go to pick it up, two broken spokes and a buckled wheel ought to be a good anti-theft deterrent!

It's locked up inside so should be ok!
Title: Re: 2 snapped spokes with rim buckled - safe to ride?
Post by: swayzak on December 13, 2025, 02:40:29 PM
It woz the rim wot dunnit (not spokes)

New wheel in-coming!