How to successfully build a bike wheel without special tools as an amateur.

In this video, I show you how I successfully built my first bicycle (in fact tricycle!) wheel using just my home-made truing stand and dishing stick.

I did quite a bit of research into the correct wheelbuilding methods. This video covers:
- how to determine the lengths of the spokes that you need by measuring the rim and hub
- using an on-line spoke length calculator to calculate the length of the spokes that you need (the clue's in the name!)
- truing the wheel, centring the rim over the hub and tensioning the spokes.

I found the following internet references particularly useful:

I used the following suppliers:

None of the above suppliers have sponsored me (they would be most welcome to do so, of course!), I include the links for your convenience and because they provided me with excellent service (especially the spoke guys who were amazing).

As ever please, like, subscribe and leave a comment or question. Thanks for watching, if you liked this video, please consider checking out my other videos.

[MetalMachineShop]

Let me know what you think of this wheel and if you have any wheelbuilding tips!

[WoutLoman]

I really like the videos you make. Very informative, and quite relaxing on a Sunday evening to watch :-). Keep up the good work!

[nigelnightmare]

Nice video.
I find it easier to true smaller rimmed wheels but harder to lace them without bending the spokes too much.
Longer spokes on larger wheels bow more readily when lacing.
In general it's better to go with slightly shorter spokes if yours are an in-between size.
eg, if your calculated length is 185mm and there are 184mm or 186mm available take the 184mm, that way you have less chance of the spoke protruding past the nipple once tensioned.
This is more important on single walled rims.
When tensioning always start at the valve and work around the rim 'till you get back to the valve and lubricate the nipples as this helps prevent the spokes from twisting.


Re tensioning:
If you know where to get a tension gauge that will fit a 20" 406 wheel, please let me know.
0.1mm runout is not only GOOD, it's amazing but don't forget to do the stress relief and then recheck.
Also check it after the first 200 miles or so.

[TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello,
Nice work... very well explained... thank you... See you next time.
Take care.
Paul, ,

[JohnR]

Whilst the leading spokes aren’t technically in compression the reduction in tension has much the same effect.
Proper stress relief is key to a long lasting wheel

[NotAChannelReallyJustVids]

Great project. Which bit of the trike is next, Mr Machine-Shop?

[oddkristensen]

If a professional has done it... Well, I think that if a professional has done it, it would be JUST like yours.

It's not about the tools when building a wheel... It is all about patients and being systematic!

So, you would be ranked as a professional with your way of doing it!

[ClownLikeMe]

Personally i like to get the proper tension over the highest trueness. It will change a bit after a few km. But anyway, nice work! In comparison machine build wheels aren't as good.

[VECORlt]

Why not Alfine 8? Its more efficient as it has more bearings than Nexus.

[robflohil]

Hello,
Do you intend to visit the Recumbent World Championships in Amsterdam in september this year? There you could perhaps meet and talk with some manufacturers of velomobiles about your tilting velomobile project. Maybe they are interested.