linberl

First, I just wanted to thank everyone who gave advice and/or wheel offers, I really appreciate. I received and installed my terratrike rear wheel. Honestly, I am stunned at how much difference a working hub can make! Not only is my bike completely silent (finally) but it almost pedals itself. Rotation is so much easier now than with the failed freehub body on there. This wheel isn't anything special, it is a single wall aluminum wheel with a "no-name" hub on it. But the improvement is so dramatic that I have started to consider full wheelset upgrading.
I can't afford it until next year, but I did email Rich Lesnik @ handsonwheels for a price quote on some velocity rims with a good hub. He recently built up a new wheel for my son's Jamis bike (Velocity Atlas with a 105 hub) and did a fantastic job. I really did not appreciate how much difference a better (or working in this case) hub can make in my ride. I'm not going to go real crazy because I do have to balance the theft enticement factor against the ride quality. I don't want to have to carry more locks to secure blingy wheels that might draw unwanted attention.
I've also retained the old Sun AT18 rim and plan on trying my hand at building it up, failure won't be a disaster since it's a backup wheel; if it goes well, maybe I will try to put together my own velocity wheels.
It's just such a pleasure to ride along and enjoy the lack of creaks clinks and plinks.

Joe Remi

Ah, Rich from Rivendell..good guy, great wheel builder, and don't even THINK about following him down Mt. Diablo in Walnut Creek, CA. You haven't seen fast til you see that dude tear down the hill on pullback bars, fenders and a basket. It's terrifying!

ThorUSA

Rich .... a legend AND a good guy

linberl

He's not only super nice, but he builds a great wheel! My son destroyed two wheels riding 10k plus miles a year, hammering through Tilden Park, and carrying groceries and lots and lots of heavy beer =). Not only is his new wheel beautiful but it appears bombproof as well (fingers crossed). He really listens to his customers and figures out what they need. Class act. And while I know I could probably get some wheels on Ebay for my Bike Friday, I'd rather wait a bit and save more so I can support a local "legend". I wish he taught wheel building classes.

shrooms

Personally, there is nothing better out there than budget Novatec and DT Swiss 350 hubs. Also, there are many options of very inexpensive BMX with double or triple wall rims to choose from. Another thing not to forget to pick rims as wide as possible because they are more efficient and make a ride more comfortable.
To save even more money but still to get a nice set wheels there is an option on aliexpress with Novatec hubs.
Any step away from the formula will give much less quality for money.

badmother

I thank you for the image your words created in my head, especially the part with the basket..

linberl

It's even funnier since, every time I've ridden that route, it has been FULL of lycra types in full regalia, riding in packs! Three hump lycra camels ;-)

badmother

So you`ve got the dreaded insects there too..

badmother

Velouria has started writing about wheelbuilding. Two posts so far in case you are interested.

Lovely Bicycle!

linberl

Yes, I love her writing and never miss a post, thanks. She's been the encouragement I've needed for a number of bike related things =).

Rick Imby

In the world of wheel building the book by Jobst Brandt ---published by Avocet I believe---is still a classic.

Rick

invisiblehand

Rather then spend the time, energy, and spokes on rebuilding on an old rim which tends to get out of true over time, I think you will have a much better experience getting a quality cheap rim such as a Sun Ringle CR-18 or Rhyno Lite for $25/each. Besides being old and likely somewhat out of whack, AT18 rims are single wall and quite heavy.

And remember ... take careful measurements to get the correct length spokes. Good luck!

linberl

I was going to use it as a practice attempt but not use it as my main wheel. But I've decided to just build a front wheel instead. Was thinking CR-18 but read some people say it is hard to mount a tire.

invisiblehand

Front wheel without dish -- make sure that the front hub is for rim brakes -- is easier to build. I think the first time you build a wheel, you really want to take out extra hurdles from old rims and butted spokes. Wheel building -- at least for an experienced amateur like myself -- remains a mix of science and art. I use a tension gauge and a decent truing stand, but getting a true wheel close to maximum tension takes some trial and error at the end.

Typically, there are rim-tire combinations that are difficult to mount. Alex DA-16 with Schwalbe tires -- Bike Friday often uses that rim -- are infamously difficult to mount. So far, I've never had a problem with the 406 Sun CR-18 with Primo or Schwalbe tires.

linberl

Yes, that's what I was thinking...no dishing to deal with. My brakes are v-brakes. Should be the easiest possible version of a new wheel. Good to know about the CR 18's...I like Sun rims, reasonably priced and bombproof. I'd consider Velocity but maybe not for my first build. I will use regular spokes, not butted or bladed. Wish me luck!

fietsbob

Bike Friday built my wheels around a 406 Sun CR18 rim .. they are 32 spoke ..

badmother

Keep us updated

invisiblehand

Lots of luck and skill to you!

linberl

Thanks! I'll be doing it right after the holidays, will let you all know how it goes.