Great tips, thanks! Another quick hack for this truing stand is to replace the gauge-block retaining screw with a seat-clamp QR: this makes is much easier to move the gauge vertically and lock it. Also, the original knurled nut from the QR can be added to the the hub-width adjustment set screw, making that adjustment easier (it has a different thread pitch, so just force it on and is tightly held in place).
Nice video! Even after 5 years this review is still very helpful. What other tools do you think are must or very helpful when building a set of wheels? Aside from the current spoke wrench and lubricant. Do you find it a must have to use a tension meter for the spokes? I will be building a high end wheel on my XC bike and want to do a good job as I will be riding several hundred miles a week.
A "Descent wheel"?! come on, it's virtually perfect. But then again, not only did you build a perfect wheel, you improved the the measuring tool in the process. Park tool did not want this relatively cheap truing stand to be that accurate...
I was looking at buying this stand and this video helps with my decision. Right now I use an old set of forks with zip ties ... effective but I would like to upgrade obviously.
@E-Bike Commuter, I absolutely love the small adjustment know you added! I don't have the skills or tools to make one of those. Could I pay you to make one for me?
Thanks for the excellent overview. I am thinking of buying one and this helped me to decide. The modification looks like a good idea also. I will try that.
Kolob Canyon I think it all depends on how much use you will have for it. I have now built up a few more wheels after the fat bike wheelset here on the video, and I am getting good results. The fat bike wheelset has held up very well! Once you understand the basic principles of how to build a wheel, it becomes fairly easy to build a good set of wheels. Of course a good truing stand is a big help. Without the modification I made to the stand, this stand is a little annoying to work with, though.
Yes, I did. It's actually not that difficult. A good truing stand is very helpful. I find it most challenging to measure your hub and rim accurately and use this information in a spoke calculator to determine proper spoke lengths. Also to learn how to lace the rime takes some learning. I have found Sheldon Brown's web site very helpful for this. The truing part I find is actually the easiest. All the hard work is done when you are there. As long as you apply even tension to the spokes, you will end up with a nice and true wheel.
Thanks for the detailed feedback. Aren't there standard dimensions for the hub width which would then determine the required spoke lengths? Truing to me seems like a lot of trial and error, so I just prefer disc brakes because they are not affected by an untrue wheel.
Robert Wetzel I don't there are standards other than in axle width, thickness and way to attach them to the frame. Almost every hub model is a little different when it comes to flange diameter and distance to center.
E-Bike Commuter Oh, of course, I didn't think of the flange. Just concluded from axle width to overall dimensions. Will the fat bike be electric as well? Are you going to use a hub motor?
Thank you interesting and why do you require it so accurate? are do over 100 mph. good video thanks and nice to see a video without a load of crap music.
Actually that accurate is important on any wheel but especially on a fat bike rim with such a big tire. If it spins even at slow speed it is such a big foot-print that it can have a larger wobble affect in the balance of the bike.
