[Ruby]

My bike is missing a rear spoke, but I have been told (by a mechanic) that this is less important to fix on fixies than regular bikes, and its not totally necessary to replace. Does anyone know why this is please?

[Grape Ape]

Sounds to me like they are being lazy. One spoke being broken as long as it isn't causing your wheel to be to far out of true won't get you hurt. But I would be concerned about the end getting in and flattening my tire or causing other damage. It won't hurt you but it would take them a bit of effort so they figure just wait until other work needs done and get the spoke then.

[hophead]

Originally Posted by Ruby

My bike is missing a rear spoke, but I have been told (by a mechanic) that this is less important to fix on fixies than regular bikes, and its not totally necessary to replace. Does anyone know why this is please?

That's complete BS! Every spoke needs to be there, especially on a rear wheel. I would not let that guy touch your bike.

Yeah, you might be able to ride it for many miles without a problem. On the other hand, your wheel could also completely self distruct. Most likely the spoke didn't just fall out. It probably broke and broke for a reason. Have a competant bike wrench check it out so you don't end up with a face full of asphalt.

[tajcrews]

Get it replaced when you can. It wont be the end of the world but it will hurt eventually. If you really didn't need that spoke why would it be there in the first place

[Sean]

What kind of wheels are they, and are you a heavy rider?

[BigDumbBear]

Every spoke plays a crucial role in counter-balancing another and strengthening the wheel. At the same time, you can break 1 or 2 out and be okay for a while. I've seen guys running wheels on bmx bikes missing roughly 1/3rd of thier spokes and still doing 20 foot gaps and 10 foot drops. It is not recommended though. You should get it replaced and true up the wheel for the best ride and safest function.