How many of you build your own wheelsets? I am just trying to get a sence on how many build them. I was thinking about starting to get into that. Or is it not worth the hasle and then just buy wheelsets from PP or jensonusa built? I am not into race but I love to build. thanks for your help.
Building wheelsets
- Thread starter whitemax
- Start date
grumner80
Member
I've never built any wheels myself, but I know a few people on here have. From what I hear they take quite a while, and are basically concidered projects. I know that if you do it correctly, and tension them right they will stay tru for a LONG time! I sopose it could be worth it if you just a guy that's into building things in general; i'm sure you might even find some guys on here that'll ask you to build wheels for them after a while; but if you just want to do it for you recreational riding, where performance isn't a big issue, the I don't think it's worth it, imo.
...Once again, this is all based on what I hear from those who have done it, so don't quote me.
http://www.mtbnj.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15667
...Once again, this is all based on what I hear from those who have done it, so don't quote me.
http://www.mtbnj.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15667
RosyRambler
Member
It's Not Black Magic
Hi Max,
Building wheels is not the black magic a lot of people think it is. I taught myself how to build wheels from books. I built a set of MTB wheels that came out fine.
If you like to work on your bike or just like working with your hands, go for it. It's a nice feeling to be riding on a set of wheels you created. But do take the time to learn which spokes and rims will be appropriate for your riding style, and make sure the spokes are the correct length. And don't rush thru it the first time. Enjoy the process,.....put some Yanni on in the background.....OMG, I meant pull out a cold one....😀
Like 'grumner' said,...built properly, they'll stay true a long time.
Before I built mine, the thing I feared the most was screwing up the lacing pattern. But that was no big deal (for me that is, I can't speak for others). The thing that turned out to scare me the most was the final tensioning of the spokes. I used a Wheelsmith Spoke Tensionmeter, but it's not absolutely essential.
Good Luck if you try!
Hi Max,
Building wheels is not the black magic a lot of people think it is. I taught myself how to build wheels from books. I built a set of MTB wheels that came out fine.
If you like to work on your bike or just like working with your hands, go for it. It's a nice feeling to be riding on a set of wheels you created. But do take the time to learn which spokes and rims will be appropriate for your riding style, and make sure the spokes are the correct length. And don't rush thru it the first time. Enjoy the process,.....put some Yanni on in the background.....OMG, I meant pull out a cold one....😀
Like 'grumner' said,...built properly, they'll stay true a long time.
Before I built mine, the thing I feared the most was screwing up the lacing pattern. But that was no big deal (for me that is, I can't speak for others). The thing that turned out to scare me the most was the final tensioning of the spokes. I used a Wheelsmith Spoke Tensionmeter, but it's not absolutely essential.
Good Luck if you try!
evan c
New Member
I built my own wheels and many others when I lived in Oregon and worked a bike shop. It is true a well built wheel does stay true. That said I don't think I would have built good wheel without having been shown how by someone who was very good at it. There are some tricks that make it fairly quick and easy, as well as evenly tensioned. If you want to do it go for it, but see if you can find a mentor to look over your shoulder. Evan
