Thinking about building a wheel...
10-12-12, 04:23 PM
#1
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Thinking about building a wheel...
Having broken and replaced some spokes on my bike has gotten me thinking about building a wheel.
My rear wheel has taken a beating, so I know it will need to be replaced soon anyway. Plus, I am getting into better shape and I now cruise in the next to highest gear that my bike has. I also frequently find myself in the highest gear and wanting another. Currently, I have a 7 speed freewheel on the back with 14 teeth on the smallest gear with 48 teeth on the big ring up front. I would like to upgrade to a freehub.
I know that I can buy a built wheel for as little as $55 and add a cassette for $20, but I would also like the challenge of building it myself. Since this would be my first lacing of a wheel, I would want to go cheap in case I mess it up, but I also want this to be good enough to ride.
I have found some videos on youtube about lacing wheels. I own all the tools I need, so I just need some cheap components to give this a whirl. Anybody have any suggestions? Websites? Stores?
RK
My rear wheel has taken a beating, so I know it will need to be replaced soon anyway. Plus, I am getting into better shape and I now cruise in the next to highest gear that my bike has. I also frequently find myself in the highest gear and wanting another. Currently, I have a 7 speed freewheel on the back with 14 teeth on the smallest gear with 48 teeth on the big ring up front. I would like to upgrade to a freehub.
I know that I can buy a built wheel for as little as $55 and add a cassette for $20, but I would also like the challenge of building it myself. Since this would be my first lacing of a wheel, I would want to go cheap in case I mess it up, but I also want this to be good enough to ride.
I have found some videos on youtube about lacing wheels. I own all the tools I need, so I just need some cheap components to give this a whirl. Anybody have any suggestions? Websites? Stores?
RK
10-12-12, 04:55 PM
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I'd recommend a 36-spoke wheel, since it'll be more durable. As for the hub, go with a Shimano one, since they offer the best bang for your buck. I got a 7-speed cassette one off eBay for about £10, or you could buy a new one and have more speeds, but you'd probably have to change the shifter, whereas provided you've got a Shimano shifter and derailleur, you ought to be able to swap the wheels straight over if you go with 7-speed.
As for rims, it depends on your wheel size.
This is the article that taught me to lace wheels: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html It also explains why you want a 36-spoke rear wheel...
As for rims, it depends on your wheel size.
This is the article that taught me to lace wheels: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html It also explains why you want a 36-spoke rear wheel...
10-12-12, 05:17 PM
#3
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1. Any higher than the 48/14 is a downhill only gear, unless you are capable of sustaining over 22mph (and that's only at 80 rpm.)
2. If you stay with 7 speeds a smaller cog will increase the spacing between gears - up to you but you should be aware.
3. A 12 or 13 tooth will wear the cog and the chain faster.
4. Lacing a wheel is the easiest part - the hard part is true, round and tension to a stable wheel.
5. Even going cheap you are going to pay more than for a built wheel, and why go to the trouble if you are not going to learn enough to do it right.
You could just buy a built wheel, take it apart and then lace, true and tension it.
2. If you stay with 7 speeds a smaller cog will increase the spacing between gears - up to you but you should be aware.
3. A 12 or 13 tooth will wear the cog and the chain faster.
4. Lacing a wheel is the easiest part - the hard part is true, round and tension to a stable wheel.
5. Even going cheap you are going to pay more than for a built wheel, and why go to the trouble if you are not going to learn enough to do it right.
You could just buy a built wheel, take it apart and then lace, true and tension it.
10-12-12, 05:29 PM
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10-13-12, 07:35 AM
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If you build/buy a wheel, a Shimano 8-9-10 speed hub will accept a 7-speed cassette with a 4.5mm spacer behind the cassette; this will give you an upgrade path for later but allow you to stay with 7-speed for now.
Agree with cny-bikeman's comments regarding higher gearing; spinning will be easier on your knees.
Agree with cny-bikeman's comments regarding higher gearing; spinning will be easier on your knees.
10-13-12, 07:55 AM
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10-13-12, 08:25 AM
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How can you build a wheel for $55 including new spokes, hub and rim?
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
10-13-12, 08:50 AM
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This is just a thought, but if you are going to buy a new wheel, why not rebuild the one you are taking off instead of your riding wheel?
