building my own wheels?

[bduc61]

before trying I thought I was too old to learn :shock:

but finally thanks to Sheldon and a few others, I did learn. bought a stand and a parktool tensioneer

then I do it in front of the TV :idea:
well its more for "company " as I watch quite more the wheel than the tv set !

much cheaper than having it done

 

[Steve Kish]

The bloke who taught me how to build a wheel many years ago said:-

once you've finished with the time-consuming exercise of threading together the rims and hubs, you've done about 85% of the work

-but-

the last 15% takes longer to do correctly than the first 85%. To build a wheel correctly, you need a little skill but a lot of patience!

DT spokes are first class - whatever you do, don't use Robergel spokes.

 

[FluffyChicken]

what spokes would the RB collective recommend that will work well but not break the bank??

These?

Well, they're what I use anyway (for whatever that's worth :roll.

CRC are pretty much the cheapest for a set
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=12629
and in the sale even cheaper, think i'm going to get a few spare.

Fro rear wheels and discs you can ask for split lengths

 

[Ally]

Just have a go at the lot, or not at all.

Its really not a big deal. I've been building wheels since 14 yrs old just because I couldn't afford for anyone else to do it.

If I can do it, I'd say anyone could.

I prefer DT DB type, but sometimes just use whatever I have about. Depends on the wheel I want to end up with really.

Before you get carried away, I used to have a jig and so on, but now just use a frame and forks and hand to true and tension.

All your really need is a spoke key and patience. I find that preperation is key: deburr all holes, oil nipples/spoke threads, stress relieve at every chance.

Probably not much help, but hopefully some encouragement for you.

 

[jax13]

the next questions might seem daft but here goes,

firstly, how the hell do i know what length spoke i'm going to need? crc lists them from 252 to 268 for a 26" wheel

secondly is there a big difference in quality between the DT swiss champion & competition spokes or is the a different difference between them (sounded like a mouthful but i hope you understand what i mean.)

on a similar note - i was looking at these ritchey rims too as they seem like a decent price for a budget build! - any opinions?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=37447

 

[one-eyed_jim]

the next questions might seem daft but here goes,

firstly, how the hell do i know what length spoke i'm going to need? crc lists them from 252 to 268 for a 26" wheel

The spoke lengths depend on the components you choose, the number of spokes in each wheel, and the lacing pattern you use. You need to measure or look up a few key dimensions, then use a spoke calculator (there are several decent ones available free online) to work out the right lengths.

secondly is there a big difference in quality between the DT swiss champion & competition spokes or is the a different difference between them (sounded like a mouthful but i hope you understand what i mean.)

DT Competition spokes are butted - i.e. thinner in the middle. That not only saves weight, it also means they're more elastic, and can produce a more durable wheel.

I recommend you have a good read of Sheldon Brown's wheelbuilding page before you go any further:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html

 

[Andy R]

Here'sa calculator for cross three lacing (which is what you'll probably want anyway).

Spoke length basically depends on -

a) Hub flange diameters (well, the actual PCD of the spoke holes in the flange of course).
b) The flange distance from the hub centre - for rears and disc fronts will be different L&R
c) The ERD or effective rim diameter
d) The lacing pattern