metzoid235

I believe I overtightened some spokes in a DIY attempt to true a wheel in a pinch. Now there is some cracking around the rims on about 5 or 6 eyelets.. It's a hybrid Specialised Crosstrail XL and I went 85kg.

I know I need to change the rim as soon as possible, but until then, would it be a good idea to loosen all the spokes so the wheel isn't as highly strung? Would this prevent a spoke ripping out sooner?

Koyote

I would suggest not riding on that wheel until the rim is replaced. And while you’re at it, you should replace the spokes at the same time - they’re too inexpensive to bother with reusing old ones, unless the wheel was quite new.

davidad

You weigh 85 kg or tensioned the spokes to 85? Forgive me but a spoke wrench in the hands of a novice can be a dangerous tool.
Front wheel replace it, back you might get by before the replacement.

Pop N Wood

No, don't ride on that wheel. It might catastrophically fail, probably at speed. Just replace it.

fietsbob

Maybe look for a ferruled rim for the rebuild.. Double ferruled Mavic from the 80's were great ..

The Old Peddler

I agree with the consensus, don't ride on that wheel. A hit on a pothole or even a speed bump could cause that rim to fail with catastrophic results.
A comment about tensioning: Easy does it. A little here a little there and check the runnout frequently. First thing to do when you see an out of round
situation is to LOOSEN spokes, not tighten. Then go around the whole rim and adjust for even tension. After that you can try a little careful tightening.
Proper tension requires patience and a light touch. If you tend to overdo it, get a truing stand and a tension meter.

Quality HD rims are available with double wall construction and ferruled spoke holes they can take a lot of abuse and are not prone to be affected by
tensioning mistakes.

The Old Peddler

rydabent

You do know that you loosen spoke across from the ones you are tightening dont you?