Greetings Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 I've been able to build my own wheels for years now but have never really mastered the skill to such a level as to actually build them for customers. Therefore, I'm interested in how difficult or maybe how much skill is required to build a proper trials wheel which won't fall apart after one day of riding. I know it's difficult to quantify skill but perhaps some of you who build wheels professionally could give me some idea? I'm guessing that the main problem here is getting the spoke tensions right so the wheel stays true throughout it's lifetime. The wheels i build for myself seem to be ok only for a few weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davey1991 Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 (edited) I've been able to build my own wheels for years now but have never really mastered the skill to such a level as to actually build them for customers. Therefore, I'm interested in how difficult or maybe how much skill is required to build a proper trials wheel which won't fall apart after one day of riding. I know it's difficult to quantify skill but perhaps some of you who build wheels professionally could give me some idea? I'm guessing that the main problem here is getting the spoke tensions right so the wheel stays true throughout it's lifetime. The wheels i build for myself seem to be ok only for a few weeks. Seriously all you need as a truing stand, a decent spoke tool and a tention gauge. With those you can build amazingly strong wheels, after a while you wont need the tention gauge but you can always use it just for consistancy. I've built wheels that have lasted a good few years. Edit: Spelling! Edited June 11, 2010 by davey1991 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxx Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 I want to build my own wheels and I was wondering if the Parktool TS2.2 and a DT swiss tensiometer are good tools for wheelbuilding ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davey1991 Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 I want to build my own wheels and I was wondering if the Parktool TS2.2 and a DT swiss tensiometer are good tools for wheelbuilding ? perfect setup, expensive but perfect, make sure you have a high quality nipple spanner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Burrows Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 If you're serious then I'd recommend getting a decent tensiometer. When you're trying to get the spoke tension close to its maximum safe limit then they become very usefull. Also they allow you to tension equally which again helps to raise the overall tension. In terms of how well the wheel will last the second and equally important point is stressing the wheel. Its hard to overstress most wheels. I stand on mine, working all the way around the rim and on both sides. If its a rear trials wheel it barely flexes at all when its tensioned, and I'm 85kg! I'll usually stress it 2 or 3 times in the final stanges of tensioning and truing, if you do this right the wheel will be much more durable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex-trials-boy Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 I built my first wheel the other week and I'm chuffed with it all I used was a interet guide and my spoke key and that was it, it took bout 4 hours because I had to unlace it at one point but now everythings good it's a bit untrue but it's ok and it holds me, I did a 5.2 ft drop on it and it's still good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canardweb Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 Seriously, all you need is experience! I have been building complete wheels since I am eight or so... That was for downhill bikes. I used to have all the truing stands and good stuff, but after 5 or 6 years, I didin't use them anymore. There are just some small secrets you need to learn... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirt jumper jake Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 Im on my third wheel and have only ever used a parktool spoke key, My truing stand is the frame and rear brake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revolver Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 I think the trick to building wheels that don't come apart after a while is to release the torsion on the spokes. Obviously, when you tighten spokes they twist as well, but if you leave them like that when you use the wheel and it flexes the spokes straighten and the nipples loosen as a result. I've built three wheels, and the first one came undone because I didn't let off the torsion. Going back half a turn for each whole turn does the trick, or flexing the wheel also works, I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxx Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 And what about the parktool tensiometer TM-1 ? Is it good ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirt jumper jake Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 I think the trick to building wheels that don't come apart after a while is to release the torsion on the spokes. Obviously, when you tighten spokes they twist as well, but if you leave them like that when you use the wheel and it flexes the spokes straighten and the nipples loosen as a result. I've built three wheels, and the first one came undone because I didn't let off the torsion. Going back half a turn for each whole turn does the trick, or flexing the wheel also works, I think. Or just ride the f**k outta it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
315r Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 I changed my front hub just last week and was my first wheel too. The balance it's "perfect" with just only a guide to see how much straight are your wheel, or not, only a piece of plastic attached to the fork, and a spokes tool. And obviously time, it's just you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revolver Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 Or just ride the f**k outta it Yeah, but then you have to retension it, which isn't an option when you've built the wheel to sell it to someone... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mods Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 What would be a fair price to build a wheel for somone? It takes a lot of effort and skill. My lbs quoted me £70.00 for two mod wheels. I thought that was expensive. Maybe im wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueSmokeyJoe Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 (edited) What would be a fair price to build a wheel for somone? It takes a lot of effort and skill. My lbs quoted me £70.00 for two mod wheels. I thought that was expensive. Maybe im wrong. Ouch. Had my mod wheels built at Stif (have since moved from Headingly to Harrogate) and it cost me £40 total. Perhaps it would be cheaper to have Tarty build them, even if it does mean sending the parts to them? Edited June 11, 2010 by BlueSmokeyJoe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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