Rebuilding wheel -- need help and input w/ rim selection, etc.
02-07-14, 10:40 AM
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Rebuilding wheel -- need help and input w/ rim selection, etc.
Hi folks,
I picked up a few used wheels off c-list, and want to spend the winter months rebuilding a few of them as funds, time and skill permit. I want to start with a front wheel. This example is a 32-hole Velocity Aerohead rim laced to an IRO (formula) hub. Photo:
The braking surface is worn down and needs to be replaced. The hub seems smooth and free of play, so I don't think it needs adjustment or its cartridge bearings replaced. What I want to do is to reuse the hub, spokes and nipples, but reinstall them on a new hoop. From my understanding the ERD on the Aerohead is 602 mm. I pulled the rim tape off and it looks like the spokes are just about flush with the nipples.
This is a spare wheel which may eventually go on a beater bike, and I'm not looking to spend a fortune on a wheel. Basically, I want to learn about building wheels and also have myself a nice spare at the end of the day. So, here are my (I think) questions. Obviously, I'm green and am seeking help, so any and all input is appreciated.
-What are my rim options, if anything other than the Aerohead? Cheaper is better, and stronger is better than lighter. Aerohead rims seem to be around $40 bucks, and while they're got a nice reputation, I would prefer to spend less. CR-18s are bandied about a bit, but from what I've seen, they're 612 mm ERD, which -- if I understand correctly -- would require different spokes, which I don't want to do. I do require a machined brake track.
-Can I reuse the spokes and nipples? Would it be wise to have a few spares on hand? If so, what are your recommendations.
-Tips for rebuilding? I'm familiar with the concept, and have read Sheldon's page extensively, but 1, this will be my first build, and 2, he illustrates a new wheel, not replacing the rim and keeping hub/spokes/nipples. From some of my reading, I should take care to use the same spoke-hub-rim relationship as I build, to basically keep the same spoke in the same hub-hole, just changing the rim. Is this true?
- I know I will need rim tape, a rim, spoke wrench, truing stand and copious patience -- any other tools or supplies I'll need?
Thanks!
I picked up a few used wheels off c-list, and want to spend the winter months rebuilding a few of them as funds, time and skill permit. I want to start with a front wheel. This example is a 32-hole Velocity Aerohead rim laced to an IRO (formula) hub. Photo:
The braking surface is worn down and needs to be replaced. The hub seems smooth and free of play, so I don't think it needs adjustment or its cartridge bearings replaced. What I want to do is to reuse the hub, spokes and nipples, but reinstall them on a new hoop. From my understanding the ERD on the Aerohead is 602 mm. I pulled the rim tape off and it looks like the spokes are just about flush with the nipples.
This is a spare wheel which may eventually go on a beater bike, and I'm not looking to spend a fortune on a wheel. Basically, I want to learn about building wheels and also have myself a nice spare at the end of the day. So, here are my (I think) questions. Obviously, I'm green and am seeking help, so any and all input is appreciated.
-What are my rim options, if anything other than the Aerohead? Cheaper is better, and stronger is better than lighter. Aerohead rims seem to be around $40 bucks, and while they're got a nice reputation, I would prefer to spend less. CR-18s are bandied about a bit, but from what I've seen, they're 612 mm ERD, which -- if I understand correctly -- would require different spokes, which I don't want to do. I do require a machined brake track.
-Can I reuse the spokes and nipples? Would it be wise to have a few spares on hand? If so, what are your recommendations.
-Tips for rebuilding? I'm familiar with the concept, and have read Sheldon's page extensively, but 1, this will be my first build, and 2, he illustrates a new wheel, not replacing the rim and keeping hub/spokes/nipples. From some of my reading, I should take care to use the same spoke-hub-rim relationship as I build, to basically keep the same spoke in the same hub-hole, just changing the rim. Is this true?
- I know I will need rim tape, a rim, spoke wrench, truing stand and copious patience -- any other tools or supplies I'll need?
Thanks!
02-07-14, 10:50 AM
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If I wanted to reuse the spokes, I would download one of the spoke length spreadsheets that are floating around the web and look at the list of rims for a rim that has roughly the same ERD (probably could go up or down a MM safely) and then look for that rim.
I would not reuse nipples, get some new brass nipples and you should be golden. The weight difference for alloy nipples is so minuscule that the negatives outweigh the positives, alloy nipples corroding to the steel spokes and the fact that they round off easier.
I would not reuse nipples, get some new brass nipples and you should be golden. The weight difference for alloy nipples is so minuscule that the negatives outweigh the positives, alloy nipples corroding to the steel spokes and the fact that they round off easier.
02-07-14, 10:55 AM
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I don't recommend reusing spokes and nips if at all possible. Every builder who has done the building thing has reused them but you learn that it's nicer to use new whenever possible. If you must reuse spokes at least consider new nips.
The easiest way to learn about wheel building is to find the same rim, tape it onto the old and just transfer over one spoke at a time. Do so with the old rim''s spokes being under no tension. (Yes, i know this goes against what i started with... not reusing spokes and nips). This way the only thing you're really learning about is the tensioning and truing part. And this step is the real skill in building. lacing is pretty much a paint by numbers process. Truing and ending up with an evenly tensioned wheel is where the longevity comes from.
I like to lube nipples with TriFlow for first timer's wheels done as above. When i build form scratch i use SpokePrep. Andy.
The easiest way to learn about wheel building is to find the same rim, tape it onto the old and just transfer over one spoke at a time. Do so with the old rim''s spokes being under no tension. (Yes, i know this goes against what i started with... not reusing spokes and nips). This way the only thing you're really learning about is the tensioning and truing part. And this step is the real skill in building. lacing is pretty much a paint by numbers process. Truing and ending up with an evenly tensioned wheel is where the longevity comes from.
I like to lube nipples with TriFlow for first timer's wheels done as above. When i build form scratch i use SpokePrep. Andy.
02-07-14, 10:58 AM
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Spocalc shows the Aerohead coming in 2 different lengths, depending on when made. 598 (2000 & earlier) & 602mm.
02-07-14, 11:21 AM
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Inspect the spokes and nipples closely. If they appear to be in good shape don't be afraid to use them. I use aluminum alloy on all of my wheels and have never had a nipple fail. I would prefer brass if riding in salt water.
Be sure to use a spoke wrench that fits the nipples closely. You may need two or more spoke wrenches if you plan to work on a wider variety of wheels.
Trying to rebuild a wheel using the same spokes in the same pattern on the old hub hub may be a bigger challenge than simply learning to build a wheel.
Be sure to use a spoke wrench that fits the nipples closely. You may need two or more spoke wrenches if you plan to work on a wider variety of wheels.
Trying to rebuild a wheel using the same spokes in the same pattern on the old hub hub may be a bigger challenge than simply learning to build a wheel.
02-07-14, 05:21 PM
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I won't reuse nipples even for crap wheels for my CL flippers.
Tension is all over the place depending on the degree of corrosion.
I'll reuse spokes, but wire brush the threads to try to clean them up a bit.
They are still a pain, but less so with new nipples.
Tension is all over the place depending on the degree of corrosion.
I'll reuse spokes, but wire brush the threads to try to clean them up a bit.
They are still a pain, but less so with new nipples.
02-07-14, 05:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Bill Kapaun
I won't reuse nipples even for crap wheels for my CL flippers.
Tension is all over the place depending on the degree of corrosion.
I'll reuse spokes, but wire brush the threads to try to clean them up a bit.
They are still a pain, but less so with new nipples.
Tension is all over the place depending on the degree of corrosion.
I'll reuse spokes, but wire brush the threads to try to clean them up a bit.
They are still a pain, but less so with new nipples.
Nipples are like $0.05 each. I do reuse brass nipples if they are OK, or I might just soak them in mineral spirits for a while to clean them up. I've always got a few sets of nice cleaned used nipples laying around in a variety of lengths, as well as sets of new ones.
