I didn't put a truing stand on the list as it was a list to get you started. Wheel building/truing is worthwhile and I enjoy it. It takes a little time to learn but is worthwhile in the long run. It takes me longer to drive to the LBS than it takes for me to touch up a wheel on one of my kid's bikes. If you live that far from an LBS, it might pay off for you to learn. I use an Ultimate truing stand and love it. I also use a Park Tension meter to verify my work and build very uniform tension.

I really didn't expect anyone to put the truing stand on the list, because of my original post. But, like you said, I am not close to anyone. I will look at some truing stands, and some extra gear to make sure I do it correctly. I wish I could get a truing stand that would also fit my dirt bike rims, so I would only need one. It is rare that I would need to fix my KTM rims, but having a stand that could do both would be great.

One "essential tool" we forgot to mention is a good bike maintenance manual. "Bicycling Magazine's Complete Guide To Bike Maintenance and Repair", Lennard Zinn's "Zinn and The Art Of road Bike Maintenance" and the Park Tool's "Blue Book" are three good ones to consider. Park's web site and, of course, Sheldon Brown's web site are also excellent resources.

I don't know of any truing stand with the capacity to handle both bicycle and motorcycle wheels.

I didn't figure there was a stand made for both. I will just look at one for the bicycle.

The books are a great idea. Which one is the "BEST" of the three?

They aren't interchangeable. The Bicycling Mag book is introductory and good for a newcomer but a bit rudimentary. Zinn's book goes into more detail but assumes you have slightly more than complete novice's knowledge. I've not read the Park book so I don't know where it falls in the expertise spectrum but I've heard good things about it.

Thanks, I had looked into the Zinn's book and had thought about the Park Tools book also.

Thanks again.