Wheel Wobble/Untrue

1. The most likely cause of this problem is faulty spoke tension. To determine if the spokes on the wheel of your ELF are appropriately tensioned, refer to the manufacturer tension specifications given below for both the inside and outside spokes of each wheel that we sell.  Next, check them against the spoke tension on the wobbly/untrue wheel on your ELF.  If the two tension values do not match, then adjust the spoke tension on your wheel to match the ones provided by the manufacturer.  This service can be performed at home provided that you have the proper tools or at any local bicycle repair shop.

 

The below specifications are given in the following format:
Tire Type
Inside Spoke Tension (kgf)
Outside Spoke Tension (kgf)

 

Manufacturer Specifications
Town and Country (Front)
120
53
Kenda Kraze (Front)
135
53
Kenda Kiniption (Front)
172
133
Schwalbe (Front)
133
120
Schwalbe (Rear)
133
133
Kenda Flame (Rear)
172
172

 

Note: 1kgf is approximately equal to 10N, and the wheel spokes in your ELF are steel rounds with a 2.3mm diameter in the rear and a 2.0mm diameter in the front.

 

Also: One quick way to test the tension of the spokes on a wheel is the pluck them like one plucks the strings on a guitar. If the sound is sharp and high-pitched, then the spokes are most likely within the viable range of spoke tensions. However, if the sound is dull and low-pitched, then the spokes most likely need to be adjusted. Ultimately, these sounds only provide a vague estimate and the best way to proceed is always to measure the spokes with the appropriate tool and tighten them to the tension values given above.