Fixed the Loose spokes on Mavic Front Wheel

There were two spokes that were loose.

I had tried to tighten them (by turning the nipple) but it didn't seem to tighten.

So, took the tire/inner tube off to take a look at the wheel insert for the nipple.

With the rim tape pulled away, you can look down into the nipple receiver.

The spoke center comes through the threaded hole in the middle of the nipple/retainer.

I was wondering if the nipple retainer needed to stay stationary while the spoke was turned.

The spokes on this wheel, at the hub, have a ball end so they can rotate freely (unlike older wheels where the end at the hub has a "J" hook shape so that they cannot rotate.

I was thinking of modifying the screwdriver tip on this tool to make it into a shape that would allow the spoke end to protrude up from the flats of the nipple's larger end.

I drew it out in pen.

I thought about it a bit more.

In the end, I didn't have to do this.

What I realized is that the spoke needs to be kept stationary while turning the nipple to create the tension on the spoke.

So, I used a pair of pliers to keep the flat bladed spoke from turning while I tightened the nipple.

This worked & I was able to put tension back on the two loose spokes.

Then I put the tire back on and inflated.

Will put this wheel back on the bike at some point.

The front wheel I have on the bike now works fine.

But, it doesn't match the rear wheel.

I guess just for aesthetics (matching), I'll put this wheel back on later...