Does anyone here build wheels?
- Thread starter Somew2001
- Start date
bikeworkshop
Old School Grand Master
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.
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.
novocaine
Retro Wizard
winjohn
Senior Retro Guru
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.
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.
Hombre
Retro Guru
I've been building wheels for ages for myself and also for my friends. If I am not violating any rules of the forum (or anything), I suggest Roger Musson's Practical Guide to Wheel Building. It can be found easily on the internet. A very practical guide with lots of useful details, highly recommended.
Frankenorange
Orange 🍊 Fan
the good thing about wheels is you can do all sorts of wrong and yet the wheel will not kill you as long as the spokes are taught enough so it doesn't wobble too much, or collapse, immediately. Better built wheels last longer ,before needing some help, but not so well built can last well.
I started by taking apart wheels, that were built well enough, and figuring the logic of why spokes went where they did. Then rebuild, by copying what you taken note of, using the same hubs, rims, and spokes which takes the spoke length out of the equation. That way you know it should go back together and if it doesn't then at least you know the maths isn't at fault
The books are good, but good lord i find them way too wordy and borderline exhausting, to read. I do have trouble reading though and find handling the physical items ,and looking at it all in 3D , much easier to understand.
I started by taking apart wheels, that were built well enough, and figuring the logic of why spokes went where they did. Then rebuild, by copying what you taken note of, using the same hubs, rims, and spokes which takes the spoke length out of the equation. That way you know it should go back together and if it doesn't then at least you know the maths isn't at fault
The books are good, but good lord i find them way too wordy and borderline exhausting, to read. I do have trouble reading though and find handling the physical items ,and looking at it all in 3D , much easier to understand.
