I fancy doing the EBC wheel building course, and it appears to run on demand rather than being scheduled. Minimum class size is 6 (I think).
I'd be looking for a Saturday delivery - anyone else here interested?
Robert
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Events, rides etc.
CCE Wheel Building Course?
(53 posts)-
Posted 12 years ago #
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Yes. But I'd probably not have too much free time before April... Definitely definitely one of your minimum 6 if it's then.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Maybe
Posted 12 years ago # -
Uncle Sheldon says not to try and re-true a wheel unless you know how to build one. Sheldon ftagn!
Posted 12 years ago # -
Precisely why I wish to learn to build one! I'm assuming if I know how to build one, the routine spoke tweaking (required given the number of wheels on the premises now!) should be simple...
Robert
Posted 12 years ago # -
Oh, I forgot to say: I'm in.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Yes I'll join you.
Dave C
Posted 12 years ago # -
We could run a homebrew course and you'd all save £50... I've built four so far and none of them have gone out of true - there must be others on here who've done it?
(Whether I'd want to be responsible for the safety of a bunch of folk who'd relied on me to show them how to build a wheel is another story I suppose!)
Even better, you could spend the £50 on parts for the wheel you'd rather be building anyway, and then build it in the CCE class?
Not sure - just a thought. It's so simple though, much easier than truing an existing bent wheel in many respects.
Posted 12 years ago # -
'a homebrew course'
thought you meant that literally. i was given a place on a brewing course for a christmas present. supposed to be tomorrow, but have postponsed.
Posted 12 years ago # -
If only we knew a Marchmont bike showroom with a back room that we could rent out for an afternoon! ;-)
Posted 12 years ago # -
I'm relatively sure the laws of physics won't operate differently around your wheels than any hypothetically built or trued ones I might own, so..I'll take that £50, spend some of it on cake/pint for you and pocket the rest, yes please.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Excellent idea Dave. I was wanting to get a new wheel for my Dawes with a dynamo hub. I might order the parts if you'd be willing to run the day. Infact I'd get two if it was as easy to build a rear wheel.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I like the sound of the homebrew "bring your own bits and spoke key" course.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Dave, sounds like a cracking idea, if there is space count me in as well.
cheers
Posted 12 years ago # -
@Forum legal eagles: I don't want to put Dave/[hypothetical other forum tutor] in an awkward position.
It's totally my fault if a wheel I build with a forumite's advice breaks, right? I can't see how it could be anyone fault but mine, because it's my judgement that they're already forgotten more about bikes than I've ever known, but you hear stories about winnebagos...
Posted 12 years ago # -
DIY education session sounds good.
Really isn't difficult.
Get four spokes right (around the valve hole) and the rest should follow. (Helps if they are right length.)
The person who 'taught' me wheel building never followed through and made sure his spokes stayed tight - tried to blame cracked rims on manufacturers...
Posted 12 years ago # -
Need to get a venue dialled in - will put the question to Laid Back. Other idea is in front of PY but that might have to wait for warmer weather! :)
Front wheels are significantly easier, both because you only need one length of spokes and in the actual build process (you just tighten them up equally and bob's your uncle).
One issue might be getting hold of enough truing stands although I think building using a frame would be OK (I have a jig anyway, so it would be possible to use that for the last mm or two and take turns).
You just need a small flat-bladed screwdriver (for your sanity) and a spoke key of the right size. It's worth spending the money on a good wrench in the right size, unless you like raw fingers and round nipples. Park make 4-sided ones that come highly recommended.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Smudge (?) made one from scraps I'm sure he would be willing to make some more for appropriate supplies of beer or coffee...
Posted 12 years ago # -
I made the Roger Musson truing stand and it works great. would recommend downloading his book it's only £9.
http://www.wheelpro.co.uk/wheelbuilding/book.phpPosted 12 years ago # -
I'd appreciate coming along if there was space too.
Last week I had two spokes break on different bikes and my attempts at repair were mixed. I was planning on practising on an old wheel, but this sounds much more useful and fun.Posted 12 years ago # -
Posted 12 years ago #
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It took me two attempts to lace up my current front wheel - I'm no sensei!
I just think it's easy enough that spending £50 to be shown how might not be double-dip-recession-tastic...
Posted 12 years ago # -
I didn't think about being cheeky enough to ask a sensai to donate their time for me!
I've read up on the process, but it struck me as being one that requires a degree of "feel", something that is difficult to learn by reading...
I'd be happy enough to use the £50 to buy tools or components!
And, I'm pretty sure I can provide a church hall venue, if that proves necessary.
Robert
Posted 12 years ago # -
In my time I've built a bunch of wheels and if you're doing it from scratch, it's the preparation process that is most important; the actual build process is straightforward and iterative. If you get it spot on, you can then ride thousands of miles on your wheels without ever tweaking them.
I use a Park spoke key, but next time around I'll try my Spokey. The Park is very ergonomic but it only grips on three sides which has led to a few 'rounding errors', particularly on high tension builds such as my Brompton; the Spokey grips fully on two sides and partly on the other two, which is supposed to be better.
Roibeard, 'feel' does come into it somewhat, when aiming for the same tension from one spoke to the next as you gradually tighten the wheel, especially if you use thin spokes. But alignment is made obvious by the gauges on the truing stand, and forcibly stress relieving the spokes is an enjoyable diversion.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I built two wheels on the EBC course a few years ago. I liked the course and not knowing anyone who could show me meant I had no choice but as Dave says, it's pretty straightforward. I had more trouble tying a bow tie. Neither of my wheels need more truing than any shop bought wheel I have.
Posted 12 years ago # -
For anyone else who likes this as a point of reference, I also find building wheels much easier than tying a bow tie (and I do have a bow tie, and wear it from time to time).
Posted 12 years ago # -
I assume that building wheels will be easier than changing a lightbulb. Last lightbulb I changed took me 2 hours and required a hammer, two pairs of pliers, a plumber's adjustable wrench, screwdriver, 2 spanners and a small section of old inner tube.
Posted 12 years ago # -
"Last lightbulb I changed took me 2 hours "
That's because you didn't have one or more people standing around watching you...
Posted 12 years ago # -
I also forgot to put my reflective tabard on.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Pah, what's the worst that could happen?
OMG, you could've been killed! :O
Posted 12 years ago #
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