How to Rebuild a Bicycle Wheel

How to Rebuild a Bicycle Wheel
Bicycling is a lifetime sport that all ages can enjoy, but because of the nature of the sport, sometimes your wheels are damaged or destroyed. Buying new wheels can be expensive and time-consuming. Rebuilding the wheels yourself is an alternative. Often, the parts to rebuild the wheels are less expensive than buying new, and with a little bit of practice you can easily rebuild your wheels in no time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:
  • Replacement spokes Spoke wrench Nipples Truing stand Tires Tubes
  • Replacement spokes
  • Spoke wrench
  • Nipples
  • Truing stand
  • Tires
  • Tubes
Step 1
Purchase the rebuild materials after consulting a bicycle mechanic to make sure you are purchasing compatible componentry. Pull the spokes through the holes of broken spokes along the rim of the hub body.
Step 2
Slide each of the spokes through a corresponding hole in the rim, thread a nipple onto it, and use the spoke wrench to apply tension to the spokes as you thread them.
Step 3
Mount the wheel in the truing stand and see where the truing arm touches the side of the rim. Use the spoke wrench to loosen or tighten spokes opposite of bends in the rim to pull it closer to center.
Step 4
Slide the inner tube and then the tire onto the rim, then pump the tire to pressure.

Tips & Warnings

 
Tighten spokes by quarter turns to ensure that you do not overtighten the spokes at any point during the process.
 
Tighten spokes by quarter turns to ensure that you do not overtighten the spokes at any point during the process.

Article Written By Nathaniel Miller

Nathaniel Miller is a technical writer for an environmental division of Microbac Laboratories, Inc. He has a Master of Science from Ohio University. With over eight years of technical writing experience, Miller has a diverse skill-set and enjoys a wide-ranging client base. He is widely published on numerous writing websites and runs a small writing business out of his home in Marietta, Ohio.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword