Wheel Building book by Roger Musson

Tootyred

Old School Grand Master
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I assume quite a few of you have got this book or downloaded it already, but its been on my " must get round to reading" list for a few years now.

Father Christmas handed me a memory stick with it on and i thought you might like to hear my thoughts, incase you are thinking of getting it or may be interested in the topic.

Ive built probably 20 sets of wheels before reading this and trued up hundreds, especially when i worked in the shop in the dark ages, so I'm not coming in blind.

Saying that, the book is excellent and starts right at first principals, its a great balance between "instruction " to straight out follow and " theory" you can digest and learn if you choose. It also makes recommendations for further reading.

I should think that even having never built a set of wheels, using the clear instructions and diagrams, it should be pretty straightforward. So is perfect for beginners. Component choice is covered and it deals with most standard construction and spoke patterns.

I found it fascinating, as like many of you, nobody ever " taught " me to build or fix wheels, it was necessity of the hobby. It made me think about some of my habits and dispelled a few long held myths. Theres also some great tips for every level.

The section on tensioning spokes i found very enlightening; ive always worried about tension. Normally concerned its too tight (am i damaging the rims, will the spokes fail......but if its too loose.....etc etc) but the book really cuts through that and im happier now about the subject. It also pretty much debunks the belief you must have a tension meter.....i never have, but have thought about it.

Another bonus is the download gives you access to a great spoke calculator and the plans for building a wheel jig and dishing tool. All from 18mm mdf or ply, plus a few nuts and bolts from the shed. I built mine from .....uhummmm....scrap.....see below.

If i had to be critical at all, it would be that there is very little on the technique for repairing damaged wheels. But, i can see how dificult this would be to write as every damaged wheel will be different, requiring skill in assessing the reason for the fault being as necessary as the instruction to fix it. But, the section on final trueing, should go someway to getting you there.

So all in all, for £9.00, i think its a great read......even if your never planning to build it may save you money, as knowing if that set of wheels your picking up is actually any good would help! Personally, i would pay the money just for the jig plans.

Happy reading
 

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Thanks for sharing that.

Very helpful for people like me who have never built up there own wheels, but have always wanted to
 
Excellent, I'd recommend paying for it if you like it, you get updates when they come out and new book releases too.

Keeps the old man working on it too.

Cheaper than a set of spokes.
Think it was £7 when I got it many years back, just for a nosey and the updates.
 
It's been my go to book for wheelbuilding for a while now. I don't build very often so have a quick browse through it to refresh my brain before I start.
 
Likewise - Don't build wheels often, but I've read this book before building my first wheelset and all builds so far have held up well despite a couple crashes and hitting monster potholes.

Getting this book from a torrent when the author is only asking a couple £ for a wealth of wheelbuilding knowledge is criminal imho.
 
What’s an example of something you learned from this book? Internet is flooded with wheel building information.

Biggest improvement in my 30 years of amateur builds was acquiring a tensiometer, and that modern spokes and nipples and rims are awesomely precise.
 
...Internet is flooded with sh.te, with the majority of information being (pick from the list):
- Highly subjective
- Adverts/Marketing/Clickbait/Influencing garbage
- Completely out of date
- Taken out of context & misinterpreted
- Intentionally misleading.

The internet has its place (for porn & cute kitten videos), but for getting quality information, I'd stick to books, thank you.
 
I missed this recommendation the first time, but I've bought it now.

Hopefully I should have time to read it soon. I've got a few wheels waiting to be built, so that will be a chance to practise.
 
What did i learn.....firstly that 90% of what's said on the internet is the mere rambling of people who think they know what they are on about......

That said, having a complete (from prep to final use), accurate, single line of correct thought on wheel building is probably enough to make me buy it anyway.

But, if that's not enough, ive never built pull star, so that was interesting. I also assumed there was some logic to the lacing disc rims.....now i know. Engagement principals, % allowance for tension in finished wheels, just stuff......oh and the jig plans and tool plans are fantastic....i made all of them and chucked my old alluminium jig.

But, then for me I've already built some wheels, 20+ ish this time round ( ie since i retired) and many many many more when working......so the technical stuff was more interesting.

But, the reason i posted it up is i feel it makes an ideal organ for those who have never built to start, it running right from first principles and kit to finished wheels.

Plus having read it, even if you never want to to turn a spanner, it might help you avoid buying a lemon pair......

And anyway, I seriously doubt anybody has posted up a 200 page comment on the internet on wheel building.......

Plus its £9. It would take you far longer to read then drink 2 pints and do you more good!
 

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