building a wheel, how hard could it be?

seems like it could get confusing, but other than that really, on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being easy(change a flat) and 10 being impossible(homebuilt carbon fiber derailleur bodies). how hard is it?

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Permalink Reply by Lee Diamond on July 20, 2009 at 1:52am

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Permalink Reply by Jan on July 20, 2009 at 3:03am

3. But get a little info and borrow a truing stand before you begin.

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Permalink Reply by UV Metal Arts - Powder Coating on July 20, 2009 at 3:20am

The front wheel is about a 3 and if the rear wheel is dished about a 7, that is if you have the right spoke lengths.
If you don't already have one, go to your local bike shop and buy The Bicycle Wheel. This book shows step by step how to build a wheel, as well as theory. Are you going to use spoke prep? I prefer linseed oil.

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Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on July 20, 2009 at 4:04am

You also might want to take a peek at
the Sheldon Brown page on wheelbuilding.

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Permalink Reply by Gecko on July 20, 2009 at 7:46am

If 10 is impossible, Jan's right, this is around a 3. It's very easy if you have someone show you step by step, but if you're trying to figure it out on your own, it will be harder. Sheldon Brown's online wheelbuilding guide is a good start, and you'll also need to find DT Swiss' online spoke length calculator to make sure you're starting with the right size spokes for your particular rim/hub combo. Also, just a general note, 3 cross is the most common spoke pattern for 32 and 36 spoke wheels, unless you already have something else in mind.