hogger453

Wheel building is a beautiful art.

72Paramount

I just wanted to be able to build a bike from the ground up. Minus the frame��

CliffordK

Hmm, a bit primitive here, I suppose.

So far I've just been trying to get the dishing close, but I'll probably come up with a better way to be more precise... sometime. Flipping the wheel backwards?

Here I'm teaching the next generation to true a wheel.

CliffordK

The frame is coming next

jyl

With C&V bikes, buying a pre-made wheelset isn't an option. Instead of paying $100 to get wheels professionally built, I paid $75 to take a wheelbuilding class over three evenings, figuring that I'd get a set of wheels and the instructors would make sure it came out right. Turned out I enjoyed it, so when I needed the next wheelset, instead of paying a wheelbuilder, I bought a truing stand. And so on. I haven't built all that many wheels, but am at the point where it is easy and I can be sure of getting a good wheel, even if it still takes me quite a while.

jimmuller 

That is exactly what I mean.

jimmuller 

Okay, somebody has to ask. How does that work?

(I keep flipping the wheel in the truing stand.)

eschlwc

sheldon taught me:

- i use about about 20 cd jewel boxes separated in two equally tall stacks placed on a hard, level table.
- opposite edges of the bare rim (without tire) rest on each stack.
- the stacks hang off the table edge so the axle can be centered above the edge for easier measuring with metric ruler.
- measure the distance between the table top and axle locknut.
- flip the wheel over and measure the other side the same way.
- maybe rotate the wheel a quarter turn and verify the measurement(s).
- if one side measures a shorter distance than the other, spokes on the short side should be tightened relative to the other.
- if needing to move the rim a big difference, like 4mm, it can take two or three passes around the wheel, tightening spokes on one side and loosening the other.

edit: don't blame the messenger! B^)

upthywazzoo 

Same here. Except that it turned out the "thing" in question was "saving money".

lotek 

learned to 'challenge' myself, and learn a new skill.
I continue to build because there's something very Zen like about lacing wheels for me,
it's immensely relaxing and satisfying.

Marty

gaucho777 

I'd just damaged my rear racing wheel (rolled a tubular during a long descent on very hot day; must have over-heated the glue). I was only about 15 years old at the time. Learning a new skill was a plus, but saving money was likely a bigger factor.

Repack Rider

I needed to have a 26" rim on a drum brake. You can pay someone to do that, or learn. I learned.

After that, I built all the wheels for the first few hundred MountainBikes that Gary Fisher and I sold.

old's'cool

Dish? Not knowing any better, I just put the wheel into the target bike and measure the differential offset of the rim from the seatstays, then take it back to my (so-called) truing stand, and dial out the offset...

CrankyFranky

After a 2000 mile solo hostel tour through northern Europe in the mid 70's, I decided that I no longer liked to fuss with tubulars - and it was my only bike. I was (and still am, though I'm mellowing) a cheapskate, and grew up taking things apart in order to re-assemble them to working order, just 'cause. A pair of rims and some nice DT spokes and a few hours later, and I was a happier (bicycle) camper. Still have 'em and another pair I've built a few years after, both still true and strong. Closest thing to Zen I've been since.