where can you learn to build wheels?

[barq]

Roger Musson's book is very good. I'd say it is the clearest explanation. Jobst Brandt's book is out of print but you might get it second hand or order through a library. Gerd Schraner's book is also good. You may find that reading more than one source is necessary for it to make sense in your mind.

In terms of tools...

My experience was that a cheap wheel jig wasn't terribly helpful. It wobbled so I was never clear whether rim wobble was genuine or caused by the jig. I ultimately bought an expensive Park jig, but a decent home made one or set of forks might equally suffice. Rigidity is the most important aspect of a wheel jig IMHO.

The other tool I bought was a tensiometer (with a spreadsheet you download from the Park website). It gives a graph of the tension on each spoke and it becomes much easier to understand what is going on in a wheel, where corrections are needed, how to make the tension as even as possible. It is a great tool for learning.

I also marked on my spoke key which way to turn for tighter. Saves making mistakes and one less thing to think about.

Lastly you have to work consistently and without distractions. Especially when you are learning mistakes are easy because spokes (essentially) all look the same. Good luck!

 

[John the Monkey]

Musson's book also has a plan for a DIY wheel jig - I'm attempting this atm, be easier if my father in law hadn't walked off with my pilot drills mind...

 

[PpPete]

Musson's book also has a plan for a DIY wheel jig - I'm attempting this atm, be easier if my father in law hadn't walked off with my pilot drills mind...

I'm using this design....TBH it's not very rigid, even though made from good quality 18mm plywood. I might redo the "uprights" in hardwood one day. It's good enough for the occasional build though.

 

[hubgearfreak]

I guess it makes more sense when you get your hands dirty and have a go.

yep, get the bits on the floor in front of the computer and read it whilst you're doing it.

you won't need a jig, or a tensionometer. but do buy a good spoke-key

 

[Manonabike]

I'm using this design....TBH it's not very rigid, even though made from good quality 18mm plywood. I might redo the "uprights" in hardwood one day. It's good enough for the occasional build though.

I seriously considered building the stand but I concluded that the TS-2 or TS-2.2 is a better solution

 

[Svendo]

Anyone checked their spoke tension against the table at the foot of this article?

There's an iPhone/iPad app for spoke tension by pitch too. Claimed to be more than accurate enough in the comments.

 

[Night Train]

I build my own wheels, I started when I was about 10 years old swapping rims from a good wheel to a damaged one.

I will happily build wheels as a matter of course but if I am getting a complete new wheel I will get it built by Spandex of this forum in York.

Wheel building is a good skill to understand, if not master, It can get you out of trouble on a ride if you have to make a damaged wheel usable to get home. It is also good to build your own wheels if you are already building up a bike.

 

[e-rider]

Riding on wheels you built yourself is fun. You will not save money, and your wheels probably won't be as good as factory made wheels for the same price. Yes, the best hand built wheels are at least as good as factory ones, but yours (or mine) are not the best.

It isn't hard. Sheldon Browne is a great place to start (I have used his instructions for the last three wheels I've built). It also isn't very hard, it just takes patience and being systematic. My latest pair (i.e. wheels four and five I've ever built) are less than 0.5mm out side to side, and the front is less than 0.5mm out of round, which I consider a 'pass'. The rear is about 2mm out of round which is not so good - but you can't feel it in practice.

I've built loads of wheels over the past 20 years and they are all much better than the equivalent price factory wheels! It does take some practice and some people just simply wont ever be good at it! Certainly the first few pairs you build will not be anything special.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I understand the middle of Uzbekistan is a good way of focusing ability to learn new techniques quickly... http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=8S&page_id=254442&v=8E