Topic: Spoke lacing. DIY?

[2tall]

I'm going to get some new spokes for my bike this winter, and I am a bit intimidated at the prospect of lacing them myself. What do you guys think? Can this be done by an amateur? I have a dial indicator and lots of patience/time, but zero lacing experience. How much time to DIY, or how much $ to have it done at a shop?

Opinions please...

Paul

[Bob Wessner]

Have a look at this write-up, maybe it will help you decide. It's very well done.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=368.msg205745#msg205745

[bryanj]

Its a good write up only addition i would make is only lace up the 20 that go through the holes outside to inside first and true on those first, its a lot easier dealing with 1/2 the number!!! then fit the other 20 and tension the same.

Also a DTI is way more acccurate than you need and will drive you crazy trying to dial out the "Kick" where the rim is welded (Cant be done by the way!!)

[Trav-i]

That is the write up I used when I did my wheels (thank you Bob).  I did them both in about a half an hour, having never done something like this before I think I did pretty good.

Don't let it intimidate you it's really easy, trust me.

[033A2]

I laced mine having no experience and after a few misteps, got it with no problem once I figured out the pattern.  I used the instructions noted above as well and after figuring out the front, the rear was super easy.  I didnt true mine though. Once the spokes were laced and snugged up I brought the rims and tires to a shop to true them and mount the tires.  Go for it, you got nothing to lose.

[Popwood]

It's completely doable. Takes a few hours the first and second time. Takes a bit of patience and a methodical approach. Using the instructions helps a lot. Changing tires not so bad either. Worst case, you ruin a tube or two trying. Relatively cheap lessons. And yes, you can use a dial indicator. The last rim we did was on my 750 and my recollection is we got it within 15 thousandths. It is helpful to have a wheel balancing stand, available at Harbor Freight for around $30, maybe a bit more. If you got the time, take on the project. The personal rewards (and $$ saved) are priceless.

[Bill/BentON Racing]

Lacing relatively easy,harder part is truing it,If you put 20 inside spokes in and tighten too much,will be harder or not possible to put in ousides without loosening the insides,so put them all in and then true using the insides first.Just ran into it again lacing up Calendar Girls f/wheel,Buchanans,2.15x18 gold anodized,had too loosen the insides so I could install outsides properly.Bill

[Bob Wessner]

That is the write up I used when I did my wheels (thank you Bob).  I did them both in about a half an hour, having never done something like this before I think I did pretty good.

Don't let it intimidate you it's really easy, trust me.

Don't thank me, thank Dan Jones. 

[tlbranth]

Not that difficult and very satisfying. Give it a go.

[Chris Elliott]

where would you recommend getting new spokes from?

[Bill/BentON Racing]

Buchanans,626-969-4655,www.buchananspokes.com,Bill

[tlbranth]

I got one set from Sudco and another from Parts'n'more. Both seemed very good quality but Parts'n'more were a site less money.

[033A2]

Got mine from David Silver Spares.  Wanted the Buchanan's but the price was a bit much.  Very happy with the the ones from DSS. 

[Trav-i]

That is the write up I used when I did my wheels (thank you Bob).  I did them both in about a half an hour, having never done something like this before I think I did pretty good.

Don't let it intimidate you it's really easy, trust me.

Don't thank me, thank Dan Jones. 

Good point Bob.

Thanks Jonsey!!