First Run at Wheelbuilding

[el_d00der1n0]

Like a Jedi to his light sabre, I don't think my training as an MTBer is complete until I have built a wheel. For Christmas, my wife gave me hubs and a rim (next time I'll send the same link 2x ). I got spokes and nipples today and sat down to build the front wheel.

The spokes took some doing to get the lengths straight. I have come up with about 4 different versions of what the lengths should be. I went to Beyond Bikes today to buy what DT's calc said after adjusting the ERD to Mavic-tech's spec. The wrench there said their calc was more accurate. He was concerned that there was a 3mm difference between my calc and his, so he called the guy that builds Atom wheels. Apparently he used to work there. Anyway, in the end, I left with a bundle of spokes all of equal length. The wrench threw in some spoke prep too.

I chose Zinn's MTB Maintenance as my guide.

Here's the setup:
prep.JPG

First set of spokes in:
firstSpokes.JPG

Second set:
secondSpokes.JPG

More spokes in:
thirdSpokes.JPG

All in:
spokesIn.JPG

From there all I had to do was dish, tense, and true.

Getting the tension has been problematic as the spokes are just a little too long on the rotor side. I think I've got it where it's good enough now. They make music, but it's not as high pitched as some of the other wheels in the garage.

[bajamtnbkr]

You are a true mountain biker now, can you fix my broken spoke? J/K

[ghixon]

That's something I've always wanted to try but never had the brains to do yet. Let us know how the feel.

[Dino Brown]

[el_d00der1n0]

Originally Posted by bajamtnbkr

You are a true mountain biker now, can you fix my broken spoke? J/K

I'm old hat at spoke replacement. Pick up the replacements, and we'll fix it tomorrow.

[bjammin]

good job Brian. It takes guts and patience to build a fine set of hoops.

[mtnbikej]

Building them is the fun part........tensioning the spokes on the other hand is a tedious chore.

[thebush]

Nice! Looks good and don't forget to let us know how it rides.

[nappyt]

Way to go man.

[dudevf1]

Thanks for this inspiring task. This is something that I want to do in 2008 as well.

[el_d00der1n0]

Originally Posted by OffRoadie

How long did it take you? Did you use a truing stand?

It took about an hour to lace it. Dishing/tensioning and truing took another hour and a half. I don't have it perfect yet.

I have this stand: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4221

[el_d00der1n0]

I got the other rim from Jenson yesterday. I built the rear wheel and finished truing the front. I put it all together and they're on the bike now. Too bad it will be raining all weekend.

The rear wheel was a little more difficult than the front. Zinn's book has you flipping back and forth and I probably drank more than I should have before starting. It looks good to me, and I compared it to an already built wheel.

The spokes were easier to tension on this one. The flanges come out further, and I didn't run out of thread like I did on the front. Dishing it was just as easy as the front. I just flipped it on the stand and got it really close to the same distance hub end to rim on both sides.

For everything, the rear wheel took about 2 hours.

I took pics, but they're at home. I'll post them later.

[Au575]

I just did this, too - felt the stock wheels on the Yeti were too burly for me and made that an excuse to finally build wheels. A couple of free resources that I found helpful are:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html
and
http://www.dtswiss.com/SpokesCalc/Calculator.aspx

Dooder, might I suggest a quick road ride to load up those wheels and then recheck the tension/trueness before heading out on the trails?

[el_d00der1n0]

Originally Posted by Au575

Dooder, might I suggest a quick road ride to load up those wheels and then recheck the tension/trueness before heading out on the trails?

I was going to put around the neighborhood tonight if it's not raining. Next, I'll do an easy trail ride.

It's kinda scary.

Originally Posted by Au575

I just did this, too - felt the stock wheels on the Yeti were too burly for me and made that an excuse to finally build wheels. A couple of free resources that I found helpful are:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html
and
http://www.dtswiss.com/SpokesCalc/Calculator.aspx

I found DT's calculator a bit unreliable. You have to make sure they have the measurements right. In the end though, there's room for a little fudging.

[PacMan]

Your break-in/test bride should be a Noble shuttle--I'll drive. And believe you me, I'll have the helmet cam!!!!

[JOx2]

Nicely done El d00d!!! you're d00derific!!!!!

[el_d00der1n0]

prep2.JPG

firstSpokes2.JPG

secondSpokes2.JPG

allDone2.JPG

[TCB]

Important question, what beer is recommended to drink while building the wheels.

[PacMan]

Your nipples are red!!

[el_d00der1n0]

Originally Posted by TCB

Important question, what beer is recommended to drink