I trued my own wheel
09-07-08, 02:58 PM
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I trued my own wheel
Ok, so I've mastered adjusting my derailers and brakes. A few weeks ago I bought a "racing" wheel from Nashbar and and put my cassette on that and have about 400 miles on that wheel.
This morning I noticed the wheel is out of true, so I read from Sheldon's site and Leonard Zinn's book on how to true my wheel. I have a pretty good set of Park bicycle tools so I broke out the spoke wrench and went to work. I clamped the bike into my work stand and just used the brake shoes to eyeball my progress. In about 3 minutes I got the wheel within half a millimeter of perfect. I don't have a truing stand so I figured on the bike is good enough.
I went for a 25 mile ride and checked the wheel and it is still right where it was before my ride, so that's a good sign.
The LBS charges $50 for tune ups and they adjust the brakes, shifters and true the wheels. I've learned that I can do the same thing in about 15 minutes and actually do a better job.
Whoop! Whoop!
This morning I noticed the wheel is out of true, so I read from Sheldon's site and Leonard Zinn's book on how to true my wheel. I have a pretty good set of Park bicycle tools so I broke out the spoke wrench and went to work. I clamped the bike into my work stand and just used the brake shoes to eyeball my progress. In about 3 minutes I got the wheel within half a millimeter of perfect. I don't have a truing stand so I figured on the bike is good enough.
I went for a 25 mile ride and checked the wheel and it is still right where it was before my ride, so that's a good sign.
The LBS charges $50 for tune ups and they adjust the brakes, shifters and true the wheels. I've learned that I can do the same thing in about 15 minutes and actually do a better job.
Whoop! Whoop!
Last edited by Richard_Rides; 09-07-08 at 03:17 PM. Reason: Changed the word "break" to "brake" because I didn't break nuthin.
09-07-08, 03:35 PM
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theres just something about working on your own bike that makes cycling that much more enjoyable. I only wish I still had my stand. I'm gonna have to buy another one now that Im riding again.
09-07-08, 05:31 PM
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I paid $30 for my cheapo truing stand at Peformance. The shops have high dollar stuff. Their wheels last me 10 months at most, mine 3 years and over 15,000 miles no problems. Not the high end equipment, it's the TLC!
One thing I do is use a Sharpie pen to make a black dot on the spokes involved. When I turn the nipples, I make sure that the spoke don't run with it causing a bind-up. One thing I've noticed when shops service my wheels. While riding they click and tick. Then I know there is a problem, more than likely the azzhats bound up a spoke!
One thing I do is use a Sharpie pen to make a black dot on the spokes involved. When I turn the nipples, I make sure that the spoke don't run with it causing a bind-up. One thing I've noticed when shops service my wheels. While riding they click and tick. Then I know there is a problem, more than likely the azzhats bound up a spoke!
09-07-08, 06:14 PM
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Yeah, I've read about that, turn the nipple, then back off a little bit to untwist the spoke... I've been to 2 of the best bike shops in town and have been disappointed. Each shop has an excellent mechanic who is assisted by a mob of salivating goons. You never know who is going to work on your bike, there's no consistency.
Doing things yourself is better.
PS: Post more pics of Mrs. Beanz, she's the only reason I visit this forum.
Doing things yourself is better.
PS: Post more pics of Mrs. Beanz, she's the only reason I visit this forum.
09-07-08, 06:20 PM
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...She didn't ride this weekend, was sick all week.
09-08-08, 07:38 PM
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Destroyer of Wheels
Congrats - it's a great feeling, isn't it?
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