Within all these parameters, that are determined by the type of bicycle the wheel is being built for, it is left to choose how many spokes should the wheel have. I explained this in the article about rear hub compatibility. Disc brake hubs will also work with rim brakes, but are (needlessly, if using rim brakes) more expensive and heavier.įor rear hubs, it is also important to note how many sprockets are used and which make of shifters and derailleurs are on the bicycle (Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo notably). This will further narrow down the hub choice.Īnother thing to determine is whether the bicycle frame is made for rim, or disc brakes (the linked article discusses pros and cons of each). In a separate post I wrote about the rear hub width standards. Then, if it is a rear hub, it is important to know the width of frame’s rear dropouts. The choice of hubs depends on the frame as well – whether it accepts quick release, or requires a through axle. Depending on whether a wheel is built for a road bike, or for a MTB, whether it is the front, or the rear wheel, whether one uses disc, or rim brakes – hub choice will differ. I also made a YouTube video where I explain the types, quality and choice of bicycle wheel components. So for this text, I’ll start with an assumption that a wheel is being built from scratch. If one is replacing only a rim, or a hub, the component choice is somewhat “easier” and simpler, since the existing components do limit the available choices. I hope you enjoy this, and find it helpful. The final, 8th chapter, contains links to high quality resources on this topic, including my videos.
![b icycle wheel b icycle wheel](https://www.parktool.com/assets/img/repairhelp/_1200x630_crop_center-center_82_none/Dishing-social-thumb.jpg)
In the videos I explained and demonstrated most things, but I like having it all in text format as well, for easier searching and reference – it’s often faster and I like it.
B icycle wheel how to#
I also made a series of YouTube videos on how to build bicycle wheels.
B icycle wheel free#
Then, on your second reading, feel free to click on any links to the other articles with topics that you wish to get more knowledge about.Ī lot shorter article, that explains the basics of how bicycle wheels carry load, and what is needed for them to be strong and durable is named: Bicycle wheels – how many spokes? For beginners, it might be good to read that one first. When reading this for the first time, I recommend you read it all the way. It is the essence of 4 books, and 20 years of practice, put in a format a lot shorter than a book (as briefly as I could, without missing any crucial details).
![b icycle wheel b icycle wheel](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51GyHgrQRRL._AC_.jpg)
It explains all the basics, with links to my other articles and videos, that go into the particular details. This article is intended as the “main one” related to wheel building. Acceptable trueness, and spoke tension tolerancesġ.