I have made fire...I mean a wheel.

[allencb]

I finally assembled the pile of parts into a functioning singlespeed wheel. It even held up for my test ride. It was much easier than I expected. The only problem is a very minor flat spot due to the previously used rim. I used a standard 3 cross pattern. I didn't have a tension meter handy, so I used tone and luck. I'm sure my build quality makes baby Jesus and Pete cry, but it'll do for now.

Specs:
Surly "New" Hub fixed/free
used Velocity Cliffhanger rim 26"
14g DT spokes with brass nipples (nobody had enough 14/15 DB spokes in stock).
Shimano 17t freewheel (32t chainring up front).

I'm going to ride it at Wakefield tomorrow, but because I'm no sucker, I packed the geared parts just in case I have to revert back to my old wheel.

Chris

[allencb]

Heh. It held up. I just need to get my chainline sorted out...

Chris

[redclayrambler]

Congratulations, that's a milestone I have yet to achieve. :rolleyes:

[nocro]

I finally assembled the pile of parts into a functioning singlespeed wheel. ...I'm sure my build quality makes baby Jesus and Pete cry, but it'll do for now.


I just finished my first build. Mine is a front wheel, but it is a wheel.

Specs:
Chris King disc hub
Mavic 819 UST
DT Competition Spokes - 16mm alloy nipples

So it is either going to be a great wheel or a really expensive learning experience.

3 cross. I had a weird problem, in that the "handedness" of the rim wasn't really apparrent until after I had about 20 spokes in. Then I had to go back to the key spoke, and move it over one hole away from the valve hole. Then lace with the opposite handedness pattern. Thanks Sheldon Brown.

[allencb]

Yeah, I ran into the same problem.

So far, the wheel is holding up just fine. I tensioned by ear, but recently checked the tension with a meter. I was surprised that my tension was pretty darn even. By the meter, I averaged 24.6 with 23 being my lowest and 26 being the highest (2/3rds were right at 24.5). That was after riding it a few times as well.

Chris