Wheel building stand/tool

[yello]

I've decided to venture into the black art of wheel building.

As a rule, for bike tools, I look no further than ParkTools. However, in this case, I note that a Tacx wheel building stand is significantly cheaper. I know you have to bend the Tacx to get a rear wheel in but, other than that, I'm not aware of any functional difference.

Has anyone any experience of either/both?

 

[Moodyman]

I use the TACX one. ProbikeKit are you're cheapest UK option.

I use it to true my wheels, and it's perfect for that.

The clamp is quite wide so clamps onto virtually any surface. Stand is adjustable via hex (Allan) keys.

It's well-built, if a tad heavy. Having said that, this gives it the feeling of solidity.

Re the rear wheel, yes you have to widen the slot with your hand to fit the hub in, but it's no major issue for me.

Haven't got round to wheelbuilding yet, though will venture into that territory at some time.

 

[yello]

Cheers for the opinion moodyman. It's good to read it's sturdy. I was edging towards the Tacx mainly because it's half the price of the Park Tools one (ChainReaction is cheaper than PBK at the mo btw) and your opinion chalks up another tick for the Tacx.

I just don't know if it's a false economy.

 

[Moodyman]

I've not used any other stand so can't compare. But, I find it ticks all the boxes for me.

Re PBK, it was over a year ago that I bought mine so prices may have changed.

Good luck with whatever you go with

 

[accountantpete]

TBH Yello - after you have built a wheel you realise that to get any good at it you have to be building them virtually every day. And when you price up the cost of the components it is frequently as much as getting a wheel built.

So if you are like me the tool will just be used once or twice a year to keep the wheels in trim and you can do that using the frame/brake blocks.

I'd go for the cheaper alternative.

 

[yello]

And when you price up the cost of the components it is frequently as much as getting a wheel built.

Yes, I had considered that. You are right of course. I don't actually have a need to build wheels, not on a regular basis. Buying them as needed would make more sense and be more economical, no doubt. It's more that it's just something I want to have a go at.

Simple truing can be done in the forks, as you suggest. But for building, I think I'd prefer something more convenient and perhaps comfortable. But, yes, again you are right; the cheaper option makes sense.

 

[accountantpete]

It's more that it's just something I want to have a go at.

Sorry - I wasn't trying to put you off building the wheel - it can be a particularly satisfying experience (and sometimes frustrating!).


BTW the best trick I have found is to tighten each nipple up a precise number of turns so that when the last nipple is tightened the rim is reasonably true and you can do the fine tuning. The only problem is knowing how many turns to start with which is where experience comes in and it will be down to trial and error in your case.

 

[PpPete]

And when you price up the cost of the components it is frequently as much as getting a wheel built.

I beg to differ.....

Consider Spa's handbuilts (often recommended as good value)
Say: Chrina Rims, Tiagra hubs £129 + £5.00 postage

Individual components:
Chrina Rims 2 x £18 +£6 postage (Spa)
Tiagra hubs £24.61 +£2.95 (Ribble) Free post if you buy anything else with.
Stainless DB spokes £12.80 + a whopping £6.00 postage (Cyclebasket)
Total £88.36

33% saving there - if you don't factor in your own time to build them up.

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

I've decided to venture into the black art of wheel building.

As a rule, for bike tools, I look no further than ParkTools. However, in this case, I note that a Tacx wheel building stand is significantly cheaper. I know you have to bend the Tacx to get a rear wheel in but, other than that, I'm not aware of any functional difference.

Has anyone any experience of either/both?

Hmm


I started wheelbuilding on my mother's living room floor ont he fireside rug
I got a job building wheels peicework with top quality jigs
The last wheel I built with my bike clamped upside down and some cable ties on the chainstays


I have to say that out of the 3, the middle option was by far the easiest and most pleasurable....but other means are just as valid...and the only time I used the middle option was when I was paid to build good wheels as fast as possible. For personal use, the top notch kit is nice to have but not necessary