A nipple is the small metal nut that secures a spoke to the rim. It sits in a hole in the rim and threads onto the end of the spoke. By turning the nipple, a mechanic can increase or decrease the tension of the wire. This process is essential for making the wheel perfectly straight and strong for riding.
For example, a mechanic uses a specialized wrench to tighten nipples on a wobbly bicycle wheel. Nipples are usually made from brass for durability or aluminum to save a little weight. I find that high-quality nipples are vital for building a wheel that stays true over time. If they become corroded, they can be very difficult to turn during an emergency repair.
Most people never notice them, but they hold the entire structure of the wheel together. You must be careful not to round off the edges of a nipple while adjusting. Small adjustments can have a big impact on how your bike feels and handles. They are the tiny anchors that allow a wheel to support a human’s weight.
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