1972/73 SF1 - front Borrani just notice 2 broken spokes. Is this self-fix?

aircooled1

aircooled1

New member
Location
Concord, CA USA
When I was working on my front forks to replace fork oil I happened to notice that front Borrani record (very fine condition else wise) had 2 broken spokes. I had never noticed that before. Not sure how long that has been the case.

So I want to ask advice on repair. I have changed tires on non Borrani rims before and am hesitant that if I attempt hand tire irons on it I could scratch it up etc.  So am asking if this is a spoke repair that I can undertake if carefully or should I send it out to rim specialist? My tires are a bit old anyway so probably an opportunity to refresh the tires as well.
 
Take it to the tyre place you want to buy from, tell them you'll buy two new tyres once the spokes are replaced and have them remove it CAREFULLY using a professional machine. If you haven't worked on spoke wheels before it might be worth having it done by a qualified wheelsmith. if two spokes are broken it may indicate that other work needs to be done on that wheel (eg completely retensioned), especially if the spokes have been replaced previously. I've never known an SF1 to break front spokes.

As for old tyres, never a good idea to leave them on - it's one thing you should never skimp on. Plenty of info on here about excellent replacements.
 
+1, two spokes broke would indicate the wheel is weak so care is needed to remove the old tyre.
Regards Andy
 
As the front spokes are very short, attempting to replace just one or 2 without loosening adjacent spokes is not to be reccommended.  Ideally, all spokes should be loosened to the point where the replacements can be inserted without force/bending.  If they are "inside" spokes, you've already lost anyway... :D

If you are not experienced in wheel-building, take it to somebody that is.  The fact you are asking tells me you have little to no experience.

piet
 
Totally agree. Get the wheel rebuilt using new spokes. Impossible to disassemble without cutting the old ones anyway. Very inexpensive for the peace of mind gained.
 
Advice taken. Since the Borrani wheels are one of the reasons I wanted a Laverda - being incredible works of art - I will let specialists attend to them much as I would the restoration of a fine painting from an Italian master. I'm leaning towards sending to Buchanan's in Southern Cal. I think I will also have them mount new tires as I would trust them with that more than shops perhaps not experienced with Borrani. 
 
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