Spoke

A spoke is a thin steel rod that links the wheel hub to the rim. On a wire-spoked wheel, dozens of spokes are laced in a pattern and tightened with threaded nipples at the rim. Correct, even tension keeps the rim round and true and lets the wheel absorb impacts, which is why spoked wheels dominate off-road and adventure riding.

Traditional spoked wheels need inner tubes, because the spoke holes go through the rim. Some modern adventure bikes have tubeless spoked rims with spokes attached at the rim edge or a sealed bed.

Check spokes regularly, especially on new wheels and after hard off-road use: tap each one with a tool and listen for a dull note, which means a loose spoke. Tighten gradually with a spoke wrench and true the wheel if needed.