Road Cycling - Has anyone here ever built a wheel?

If so, how difficult is it to do? How long does it take?

It's not as easy as riding a bike, but it is not hard. There are many many threads here on the forums if youll look through the archives, you'll find some detailed instructions on how to do it.

It would also help if you got a book with photos or diagrams of the step by step process such as: Jobst Brandt's "The Bicycle Wheel"

Don't be afraid to try. It really is not very difficult.

I have built two wheelsets. It is maddening and frustrating but ultimately very satisfying.

If you want to give it a try in a low-risk situation and see if you can get the hang of it, ask your LBS if they'd sell you an old $10 front wheel just to goof around with. Get The Bicycle Wheel if you want an authoritative book on the topic. Tell them what you're going to do, so they don't give you one with crusted spoke nipples that won't turn.

Gradually loosen the spokes a half-turn at a time until the wheel's rather soft, then take all the spokes out and see if you can lace it back up. If you can get the lacing pattern set up, then gradually add tension to the spokes while weeding out extra-tight ones. Good luck! :)

I would also recomend buying a book on the subject, a little studying beforehand can really save a lot of stress later. The fact is that is not all that hard, wheel trueing is where the artistic ability comes into play. I have build two wheelsets, and have not had any trouble. as for advice, DO NOT go cheap on spokes, get DT's or another well known brand, it is an important part of the bike and will save you trouble by spending a bit more for them. Secondly do not try to build and true both wheels in one sitting, take your time, and do not get frustrated. it is not really all that hard, just takes patience :)

I just built my first set, and rode them for
HHH. Heck if I can do it anyone can!
Sheldon Brown has a good article on building,
and the Bicycling book on Maintenance is excellent,
lots of pictures for reference.
I'd suggest you find a 36 spoke wheel since this is the
standard and all other spoking patterns evolved
from this one (ok, not the new high tension 16 spoke
wheels). Front is easier to build and true, you don't
have to worry about dishing the wheel.
Jobst Brandts book is excellent, more info than I
really need but fascinating. I kind of feel like you
have to build at least one set before you know
what he is talking about.

Marty

I have built and repaired many wheels over the years and concur with the other posters in this thread. If you are patient and enjoy working on things mechanical, go for it. If you are easily frustrated, forget it.

Wheelbuilding is probably one of the most dificult task you can perform on a bike but it is also one of the most rewarding.

First I did a lot of research on the internet - Sheldon Brown's website has some very good information. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html

I bought "Wheelbuilding 101" video. I do better with visuals. http://www.biketoolsetc.com/Products/YRD-101.html.

The only thing I would recommend different from the video is to use Wheelsmiths spoke prep instead of linseed oil... also the wheelbuilder in the video uses a really cool nipple driver you can use in a cordless drill for the initial spoke set. It took me a long time to find it ... BP DRIVER $24.95 call 1-800-999-8277.

I also bought a $40 Spin Doctor truing stand from Performance and a $10 calibration tool. I initially had two wheels to rebuild ans so I thought the expense was justified. I didn't realize I was going to enjoy it so much or I would have bought the $150 Park truing stand. A dishing tool is also a good thing to have.

Just take your time and have fun... it's worth it.

Originally posted by Blackjack
If so, how difficult is it to do? How long does it take?

Practice, practice, practice! The first one will wobble all over the place, be dished wrong, and will never roll at all. That is if you can get the hang of threading the spokes properly.

Then after you take it apart and put it back together again, it will be a little better.

The advice to get an old wheel and keep at it is a good one. But, this is a little like packing your own parachute. If you are going to use them, make sure, very sure, that you did the best job possible.

hey for a rookie wheel builder if you want to do it perfect the first time heres what i did......mark a line where the thread begins on the spoke and simply count the turns and thread them each the same number of turns....when I finished doing it the first time i took it to th lbs and stuck it on their machine...low and behold it was perfect. Just remember to use good quality equipment. The cheaper the rim and the spokes the more difficult it will be to true.:beer:

I built a set Saturday, A rear today and the matching front tomorrow.

building wheels is one of the things that makes me happy to be a bike tech...

The wheels that came with my bike were machine built and broke spokes regularly. I loosened all the spokes down to almost being completely undone and retightened and find the re-tensioned wheel seems to be much more solid now. I definitely am going to try building my next set of wheels.

It's easier DONE than SAID.

The best wheelbuilding site I've found is actually a BMX one. It's run by a guy called George French, he kicks ass. He knows more about bikes and engineering than Lance does about winning TdFs. He also makes very nice BMX hubs, but that's of little consequence to you lot, lol. Anyway, here's the address: http://www.gsportbmx.co.uk/custom/wheel_build/wheels.html Obviously it's for BMX wheels but the principal is the same.

I have not built a wheel before, but it doesn't seem too tough, it just takes alot of patience and time. That's why I just bought a wheelset (Shimano R540) that was already built.

-Dan the Man-