A big point here always and I mean always use the same lacing pattern that the wheel was first used for. I can not tell you how many times when I see a broken hub flange and saw that it was built with a change of pattern. The spokes put in a set and when you change the pattern the old set becomes a stress point. Since most people here are dealing with old wheels try and copy the original lacing pattern when you can to keep that old tired Campy hubs around for the next generation. Happy building. Steven
The Bike Stand 1778 East Second Street Scotch Plains NJ 07076 908-322-3330 http://www.thebikestand.com
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Doug Smith Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 4:13 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Wheel Building
I don't remember this subject of wheel building being discussed on the listing ,but after a day on doing just that , I pose the question how many members build their own wheels. I find the building of a bike wheel very rewarding in as much the satisfaction one gains from the finished job.I realise its not always plain sailing and requires a certain degree of concentration and hopefully no interruptions. Also those frustrating times when the job is well advanced with the realisation a spoke has been put in the wrong hole and the only remedy is to undo some or all of it again.To me building your own wheels is all part of the restoration and adds a personal touch in the final rebuilding or replacement of your machine. After all , if like me, we all like to show off our finished work!
Under duress I learnt the craft at an early age and was'nt a bit interested at the time.Little did I realise at the time this tuition would set me in good stead in years to come and do my own maintenence when I could'nt afford to have it professionally. In those days most of us only had one bike and this was not only for the weekend local cycling club activities but daily use for going to and from work and social evening gatherings.
I wonder how many on the list do their own maintenence including the building of wheels ,replacing worn out rims for instance. What problems have others come across , and the question of hole numbering is it 32,36,40's which is the preference and what about design and patterns , is calculating spoke length a problem how many times has it been wrong ?
All in a days work for some and for others maybe it will come together at sometime!
Doug Smith
North Dorset
UK