Does anyone here build wheels?

[Somew2001]

Does anyone here build wheels? I don’t really trust my local bike shop, and I’m looking to have a front wheel built - it’s an Allintex hub. Thanks for having me in this great forum! I’m looking forward to learning from the experts here.

 

[Stretch79]

Im going to be attempting this myself. You could always do tutorials and learn maybe?

Think it’s a good skill to have and it’s not as bad as it looks

 

[bikeworkshop]

I build wheels professionally, although my colleagues do most of them nowdays - I just stand at the counter talking
Or sit at a computer doing "paperwork"
We charge £50 labour as a rule.

If you're interested diy is quite straightforward, especially front.

There are a series of slightly complicated tasks, starting with calculating spoke length.

But if you approach them one by one, it's a lot of fun, and very rewarding.

Consistency and patience are crucial.

 

[pigman]

I taught myself as a teen using this book. It's more like a pamphlet than a book, but will tell you all you need to know.
As for spoke length, there are a number of Excel spreadsheets out there where you plug in what hubs and rims you have and how many crosses.

 

[novocaine]

Lord Sheldon Brown the great has a very good guide.

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

 

[winjohn]

I have built several wheels and fortunately, I always had the old spokes to use as a guide for length. It just requires patience and the ability to follow a set of instructions. Obviously my wheels were not as well built as a professional and they took me several hours, whereas a pro would take a fraction of the time, but they were round and straight and the spoke tensions were pretty even when I finished. It probably helped that I'd had a lot of experience truing wheels over the years.

I'd advise taking apart an old wheel that you have and putting it back together, that way it doesn't cost you anything and it doesn't matter if you mess up. When I say an old wheel, not too old that the spokes and nipples might be seized or damaged and with an existing fairly straight rim. I made the mistake of starting to practise on wheels that were a little too far gone to save (although a pro might have managed). With new rims and spokes it is easier but more expensive if you cock it up.

Lots of Youtube videos are available and personally, I usually find it easier to learn a new skill by following a video rather than reading a manual.

Good luck.