Wheels - Build Them Or Have Them Built?

[MasterOfGussets]

I'm building a new bike from scratch (mainly because my old parts are rusted from 5-6 years no use left in damp conditions).

I'm wondering if people build their wheels themselves or buy the parts then get a shop to put them together.

I know my Grandad used to own a bike shop and has some tools still. But I don't know if he has a truing stand. Is it worth buying one for the rate rims are gone through in trials? I would guess it's much cheaper in the long run to buy the tools, eg. truing stand, headset press, etc? (Not sure about a headtube facing tool because they cost most of an arm).

Any advice on this would be much appreicated.

Edited April 27, 2006 by MasterOfGussets

[zoof]

i would get them built by someone for pro quality.

but if you know how.

save some money and do it your self

zoof :arabia:

[Ride or die]

I'm building a new bike from scratch (mainly because my old parts are rusted from 5-6 years no use left in damp conditions).

I'm wondering if people build their wheels themselves or buy the parts then get a shop to put them together.

I know my Grandad used to own a bike shop and has some tools still. But I don't know if he has a truing stand. Is it worth buying one for the rate rims are gone through in trials? I would guess it's much cheaper in the long run to buy the tools, eg. truing stand, headset press, etc? (Not sure about a headtube facing tool because they cost most of an arm).

Any advice on this would be much appreicated.

if u go to a local shop they will charge extra to put the parts on. E.g Putting spokes , hub on a rim £20 PER Wheel). Putting you'e Mod/Stock parts on its £50...kind of a rip off really...may be difrent prices...as im just saying airevalley cycles prices...anyway...do it youreself. If you have a old rim/spoke's/hub practise on them to make sure u dont F**ck anything up.

Cheers

Dave

[PaRtZ]

A pretty damn good site is available here. It'll show you how to build 3 cross wheels If you want a 4 cross pattern go here.

And in my opinion, Id do it myself although but then have it trued by a shop

[MasterOfGussets]

Thanks for all the help.

I would guess that building it myself and having it trued would be easiest and probably the better idea. But I've just been told my Grandad is going to give me all his old tools anyway. So I'll see what goodies I'm getting hold of before anything else.

Thanks again.

[lankyri]

although it would be better for a specialist to do it (just in case) it would not hurt to find a old wheel and have a go yourself get a wheel completely unbuild it then build it back up and see if you can get it dead perfect again, thats what i try and do, so every time you buckle you dont have to pay for getting your wheel true because you know how to true it your self

hope this helps mate

[Ra964]

i build them my self on my bike, the front wheel on the front fork and for the back wheel i have an old steel frame that helps me.....you cand doit on your frame but you have to keep the wheel somewhere not touching the ground by eyther holding the whole bike on its handlebars and fork or front wheel or by putting the frame on a chiar or something , it`s easy

[Ben Geary]

Get tarty to do it, saves the hassle.