#AskAWheelBuilder Part 2: The hardest thing about wheel building

I’m giving the world the opportunity to #AskAWheelBuilder. Any and all questions welcome. I’ll answer the questions here…..

Question 2 came in over the interwebs:

“What’s the hardest thing about wheel building?” In a word: PATIENCE

Allow me to elaborate.

Wheel building takes time and care. It is a process that refuses to be rushed. Make a small mistake and it effects the entire process and the end result. There are 4 stages to a wheel build, and all need to be done carefully and methodically.

1. Preparing the parts – This means making sure the rims and hubs have the same spoke-count, calculating spoke lengths and procuring the desired parts from various suppliers, locally and abroad. If not done well, this first stage could introduce long delays in the process or hurdles during the build. Also important to consider are things like maximum recommended rider weight for the rims chosen as well as manufacturer-recommended spoke tensions.
2. Lacing the wheel – There are only 2 ways to lace a wheel – the right way and the wrong way. Get it wrong and the wheel won’t turn out right. This step is like following a detailed recipe.
3. Tensioning the spokes – A wheel will only work if the spokes support the rims at proper tension. It’s also critical that the rim is laterally and radially true, and that the spoke tensions on each side of the wheel are even.
4. Finishing the wheel – Once the rim is radially and laterally true, and has the correct dish (rim centered over the hub locknuts), and the spokes are at the correct tensions can the wheel be finished. This process also includes stress relief to correct any spoke twist. I make sure that the wheels I build are laterally and radially true to within 0.5mm and that the spokes are within no more than 10% difference in tension on each side of the wheel.

If one is in a hurry and doesn’t pay each step enough time and attention, the quality of the build will be less and the longevity of the wheel will be compromised.

It’s hardest when working to a deadline, as I prefer build wheels right, and not rushed. My process is documented here.