SS rear wheel

[allencb]

I'm going to build a SS/Fixed this spring and need some advice on the rear wheel.

First, I've never built a wheel and this seems like a simple one to build since it has no dish. Do I still need a dishing tool or can I simply build it by hand using even tension?

Second, I know reusing rims is not good, but is it tolerable for an initial attempt? I'd rather not risk a new rim. I can scrounge an old rim from an unused wheel.

Finally, is there any reason why I shouldn't go with a quick release hub? I was thinking about using Surly's QR SS hub. I'm kind of nervous about having a wheel I can't easily remove on the trail. I want to use a flipflop hub so I can also try the bike as a fixed gear. Are there any problems with a fixed gear and QR? I may not have a choice, they don't list a QR hub with fixed gear threads, but I thought I'd ask anyway. :)

Chris

[langer]

I'm going to build a SS/Fixed this spring and need some advice on the rear wheel.

First, I've never built a wheel and this seems like a simple one to build since it has no dish. Do I still need a dishing tool or can I simply build it by hand using even tension?

Second, I know reusing rims is not good, but is it tolerable for an initial attempt? I'd rather not risk a new rim. I can scrounge an old rim from an unused wheel.

Finally, is there any reason why I shouldn't go with a quick release hub? I was thinking about using Surly's QR SS hub. I'm kind of nervous about having a wheel I can't easily remove on the trail. I want to use a flipflop hub so I can also try the bike as a fixed gear. Are there any problems with a fixed gear and QR? I may not have a choice, they don't list a QR hub with fixed gear threads, but I thought I'd ask anyway. :)

Chris
Regarding the QR, I guess it depends whether you have track ends or vertical drops. I wouldn't use a QR on track ends due to its lack of clamping force, unless you were running it all the way forward. If the frame has an eccentric bottom bracket, then it would have vertical dropouts and a QR would work fine with singlespeed or fixie. But, like you said, I don't think they make a QR flip/flop hub.

Reusing the rim should be fine, as long as there are no significant hobs or wobbles before the build which would lead to uneven spoke tension. You could probably just use your rim brakes to get the rim true as you bring the wheel up to full tension, though a truing stand would be best. I would prefer a truing stand myself, but I'm anal.

If you're really wanting to try fixie and have a disc wheel laying around you can always use a bolt on cog where the rotor would go. Might try that instead of investing in a whole new wheel.

Cheers.
-jon

[allencb]

The bike has forward facing horizontal dropouts, so QR is probably not a good idea. Any rim I'd reuse would be in decent shape. I'll probably swipe the rim from the existing front wheel since I'm going to a disk brake on the front (already have that wheel ready to use).

Is my assumption regarding "dish" true, that I shouldn't need any special tools to set the dish (or lack of)?

Can't try the disk brake hub SS since I don't have an unused disk wheel. Besides, I want to try building a wheel and this seems like a simple one to build. :)

Thanks,
Chris

[langer]

The bike has forward facing horizontal dropouts, so QR is probably not a good idea. Any rim I'd reuse would be in decent shape. I'll probably swipe the rim from the existing front wheel since I'm going to a disk brake on the front (already have that wheel ready to use).

Is my assumption regarding "dish" true, that I shouldn't need any special tools to set the dish (or lack of)?

Can't try the disk brake hub SS since I don't have an unused disk wheel. Besides, I want to try building a wheel and this seems like a simple one to build. :)

Thanks,
Chris
If you're not too picky about perfect centering of the rim in the hub, then centering it in the stays should do just fine and then use brake pads to adjust the true.

I hear you on building your own wheel, not nearly as difficult or mysterious as you think. :D
-jon

[yueq]

Reusing a rim is fine, but not the spokes. You will still need the dishing tool, or just mount the wheel on bike and check. Surly has a tugnutt with QR adapter that allows you to use QR securely on a horizontal dropout, but you probably want to make sure if the tugnutt is compatible with yours.

My 2c.

[allencb]

Yeah, I planned on using new spokes and nipples. Speaking of which, if I get the wheel built and determine that it isn't right or I'd rather have a better wheel built by a pro, could I reuse THOSE spokes if the wheel doesn't have many (or any) miles on it? Or once the wheel is built, the spokes aren't reusable from that point on?

I'll probably use the bike/brakes to act as a guide while building the wheel. I don't want to buy specialized tools until I'm sure I'll repeat the effort. :)

Chris

[langer]

Yeah, I planned on using new spokes and nipples. Speaking of which, if I get the wheel built and determine that it isn't right or I'd rather have a better wheel built by a pro, could I reuse THOSE spokes if the wheel doesn't have many (or any) miles on it? Or once the wheel is built, the spokes aren't reusable from that point on?

I'll probably use the bike/brakes to act as a guide while building the wheel. I don't want to buy specialized tools until I'm sure I'll repeat the effort. :)

Chris
As long as you had the correct spoke lengths, then the wheel could be rebuilt or fine tuned by a pro. But, you probably won't need to do that. My only recommendation for a specialized tool would be a spoke tensiometer, though it's not a necessity. Makes nailing the correct and even spoke tension so much easier. Just take a look at sheldon brown's wheelbuilding tutorial and it'll be a breeze.

[yueq]

Yeah, I planned on using new spokes and nipples. Speaking of which, if I get the wheel built and determine that it isn't right or I'd rather have a better wheel built by a pro, could I reuse THOSE spokes if the wheel doesn't have many (or any) miles on it? Or once the wheel is built, the spokes aren't reusable from that point on?

I'll probably use the bike/brakes to act as a guide while building the wheel. I don't want to buy specialized tools until I'm sure I'll repeat the effort. :)

Chris

I believe the spokes and nipples can be reused except for maybe those DT Prolock nipples. You should be fine with the wheel building. I have a spoke tension meter and you are welcome to borrow. It helps a lot especially for non-pros like you and me.

[allencb]

Thanks guys. I've seen Sheldon's page and will be reading it in detail when the time gets closer. I'm probably assigning more difficulty to this than it deserves, but I hate surprises, especially those that cost me money.

Yueg, I may take you up on the tension meter offer. Thanks.

Chris

[langer]

Thanks guys. I've seen Sheldon's page and will be reading it in detail when the time gets closer. I'm probably assigning more difficulty to this than it deserves, but I hate surprises, especially those that cost me money.

Yueg, I may take you up on the tension meter offer. Thanks.

Chris
Most important advice I can think of is, don't rush it. Tension, stress relieve, repeat.

[eloach]

Pedros sells a 15 wrench that is light and strong for the rear locknut if you end up going with that. It doesn't weigh much at all for adding to your tool kit. You could then use the Surley flip-flop hub.

Also, Spokes Etc. is having a wheel building class I am trying to get in on. You might think about doing that if it's not too much $$$ (check their WWW site). It seems like it's fairly personal attention from a good mechanic. I personally learn a lot faster that way. If I see it once I can usually do it and I also remember it better.

[allencb]

The class looks interesting, but won't fit my schedule this time around (will be out of town during the 2nd session). How often do they run it?

As fo the nutted wheel, I'll probably just get some Slimed tubes. I rarely get flats and won't be taking this bike on any long, epic rides. I'm going to use it for places like Wakefield, C-R, etc.

Chris

[yueq]

Thanks guys. I've seen Sheldon's page and will be reading it in detail when the time gets closer. I'm probably assigning more difficulty to this than it deserves, but I hate surprises, especially those that cost me money.

Yueg, I may take you up on the tension meter offer. Thanks.

Chris

Just let me know when you need it and I can meet you at Wakefield.