Bicycle Mechanics - Problem with rebuilding wheels?

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View Full Version : Problem with rebuilding wheels?


dynikus
09-15-12, 10:54 PM
Alright, so I decided to disassemble the wheels on an old bike I got to give them a good cleaning, possibly replace the rear hub, and get some wheel building experience. So I cleaned them up, and decided to put them back together using the same parts. Same spokes, nipples, hubs, and rims. I watched thebiketube's videos on how to build wheels, and I think I followed them to a t. BUT, the spokes seem to be too long now? After lacing the wheels again, all the spokes are sticking to far out of the rim. Anyone know what the problem might be? The nipples are screwed on as far as I could finger tighten them, but they're still sticking out. Before I disassembled the wheels, everything fit fine.
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chriskmurray
09-15-12, 11:00 PM
Alright, so I decided to disassemble the wheels on an old bike I got to give them a good cleaning, possibly replace the rear hub, and get some wheel building experience. So I cleaned them up, and decided to put them back together using the same parts. Same spokes, nipples, hubs, and rims. I watched thebiketube's videos on how to build wheels, and I think I followed them to a t. BUT, the spokes seem to be too long now? After lacing the wheels again, all the spokes are sticking to far out of the rim. Anyone know what the problem might be? The nipples are screwed on as far as I could finger tighten them, but they're still sticking out. Before I disassembled the wheels, everything fit fine.
273110273111273112273113

I cant see very well because of a tiny screen but any chance you accidentally laced 2 cross instead of 3? Or that they were 4 cross and now you are 3?

dynikus
09-15-12, 11:22 PM
well I went over 2, and under 1. I'm guessing that's a 3 cross pattern?
I'm not sure what it was initially though. I have some pics of the bike when I first got it that I could post if that would help. I could try doing a 4 cross pattern and seeing if that solves the problem though. Which I'm guessing would be over 3, under 1?


Reynolds
09-15-12, 11:36 PM
You laced them 3 cross. Try 4 cross, or "over 3, under 1".

dynikus
09-16-12, 12:13 AM
Alright, laced them 4 cross and problem's solved. Thanks!

ksisler
09-19-12, 03:36 PM
When dissembling a rocket engine for a quick rebuild, be sure to document it well so you know how it goes back together... well so to speak. Glad you were able to overhaul and overcome with a bit of help from the forum.

Hendo252
09-19-12, 07:33 PM
When dissembling a rocket engine for a quick rebuild, be sure to document it well so you know how it goes back together... well so to speak. Glad you were able to overhaul and overcome with a bit of help from the forum.
Digital cameras are a Godsend for this. What seems obvious on disassembly can be confusing upon reassembly as the OP found out. I take digital pix of everything, every steo of the way. I don't normally need them, but when I do the are priceless.

gmt13
09-20-12, 10:16 AM
You did a good job of the lacing from what I can see. The extra "gift" of having to do it again gave you some invaluable experience. The spoke length difference between x-3 and x-4 varies with rim and hub size, but could be as much as 15 mm.

-G