Does anyone here build their own wheels?

[Munkul]

I built a set of wheels 2 years ago for my Ragley MTB build, as I could do it cheaper and stronger than off-the-shelf wheelsets.

Used this website to teach me: https://patricktaylor.com/building-a-bicycle-wheel

Nukeproof cartridge bearing hubs, DT swiss spokes, and WTB rims. It was incredibly satisfying to do

I just used the bike frame to true the wheels, taped a rule or something to the dropouts.

 

[Maker]

Hub was delivered this morning so I got to work, took ages to get the old wheel apart, I don't think the nipples had been lubed and were really tight on the spokes, probably doesn't help it gets ridden in rain and snow. I cleaned the spokes in patio cleaner (dilute hydrochloric acid) I'd previously used to clean brass and it left a weathered copper coating on it, looks quite cool I think.

Also left a bright copper coating on my ultrasound tank.
Modified a screwdriver, made a spoke key (I've got a 20 year old Park Tool one somewhere) and bodged a truing stand from some 10x30mm stainless box.

Baby cold chisel tie wrapped on to indicate off of, worked very well. It's perfectly true side to side but I couldn't get it quite perfect radially, there's a bit of a flat spot I couldn't get out. I lubed the nipples with copperslip, no idea if that's right but it'll be better than nothing. Absolutely worth doing, it's not particularly difficult and definitely a useful skill, I'll true my MTB wheel when I'm back at uni.


It spins much longer than it used to but I haven't ridden it yet, I ripped a hole in the inner tube with a tire lever and I've got no patches.

 

[Maker]

The results are in :

Last time I did that same route was 17.6mph at 182bpm, so slightly faster but quite a bit easier. Obviously I can't say it's all down to the new hub from a single ride but it looks positive. It's absolutely roasting at the moment too, I'll get it over 18mph when it's a bit more comfortable outside, just you wait.

 

[mtt.tr]

Im going to do a set shortly.

It seems very involved but equally doable.

 

[Maker]

Thanks, I'm flattered. I've not looked at carbon rims any further than a quick glance out of curiosity and my eyes leaping out of my head at the price. It's something I'd like but really can't afford. Ideally I'd go to disc brakes too to prevent wearing my posh rims, so that's a new frame, fork and groupset; basically a whole new bike. One day ...

Aren't tubs loads of effort to work on? That's where you glue it to a special rim, right?

 

[mtt.tr]

Thanks, I'm flattered. I've not looked at carbon rims any further than a quick glance out of curiosity and my eyes leaping out of my head at the price. It's something I'd like but really can't afford. Ideally I'd go to disc brakes too to prevent wearing my posh rims, so that's a new frame, fork and groupset; basically a whole new bike. One day ...

Aren't tubs loads of effort to work on? That's where you glue it to a special rim, right?

Im very tempted to try chinese ones. Shhh!!!

 

[graffian]

The results are in :

View attachment 188590

Last time I did that same route was 17.6mph at 182bpm, so slightly faster but quite a bit easier. Obviously I can't say it's all down to the new hub from a single ride but it looks positive. It's absolutely roasting at the moment too, I'll get it over 18mph when it's a bit more comfortable outside, just you wait.

17.6mph that's going some, My average speeds are 8 or 9mph;-)