Relacing and truing wheels

[paul25g]

Just relaced my 175 Dual Twin wheels...next is truing.  I've built a truing stand....any words of wisdom from someone who's done this before?  Thanks!

Paul

[reed]

Paul
When relacing and truing wheels just take your time.
There is no race on this job.
Thanks.
Steve.

[paul25g]

Steve,

Do you suggest to do the lateral truing first or vertical?  Does it matter?  Also, what is your rule of thumb for knowing you have the spokes tight enough?  Thanks for your help!

Paul

[Jeff Bar]

Paul

If you have trouble, you can send your wheels to Steve Reed, I hear he is one of the best. I bet he did not want to come out and say that. Jeff

[reed]

Paul
I allways do lateral first then vertical,When it come to spoke tension i do by feel.
What i would do,play around with some bike wheels first and see how you go!
Its good that you are having a go yourself well done.
Thanks.
Steve.

[reed]

Jeff
That's very nice of you to say that!
Thanks.
Steve.                                                                                                                             

[paul25g]

Thanks for the responses guys.....I've got them laced, just need to true now.  I'll try to give the front rim a shot this weekend to see how it goes.....hopefully good but may need to be bailed out later!  I'll keep ya posted!

Paul

[BS Mechanic]

Hi Paul, Just wondering how your wheels turned out.  I'm about to that point on my 350, do you have any words of wisdom for someone who hasn't done it before?
Thanks,
Bob H.

[paul25g]

Bob,

I think it turned out really well. 

First, do some reseach on the web...there are some really good sites out there that give indepth details about the process:

http://physiology.usouthal.edu/restore/wheel/wheel.html
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-wheels/spoke-wheels/

There's a really good illustration on the second link that shows which spokes to tighten/loosen to get your intended result.  Just remember, everytime you adjust a spoke on one side causes an opposite reaction on the other side.

I bought a motorcycle wheel balancing stand from Harbor Freight for around $40.  Already had a dial indicator and a dial indicator stand.  Other than that all I needed was a Rowe spoke wrench and patience!  I got my lateral and vertical play within 2/100th....did lateral first and then vertical.  One thing to note is that you'll never get it absolutely true at the weld joint on the rim...it'll always be a little off there.  I was going to send the rims out to be rebuilt, but at anywhere from $90-100 per rim....and at Reed's prodding, figured I'd spend the $40 and learn something new.  Best thing about that stand was that it's sensative enough to balance the wheels after you true them.

Let me know if you have any other questions and good luck!

Paul

[BS Mechanic]

Thanks Paul for the excellent advice.  I'll dive in and give it a try.