How to build a 36 spoke bicycle wheel.

You’ll need: Hub & rim (for 36 spokes) 36 spokes & nipples. Spoke wrench & small flat screwdriver)

How it’s done:

1.1) Insert spokes into every other hole on one side of the hub - spokes turning towards hub.

1.2) Locate the valve hole (the only hole larger than the others). Insert a random spoke into the hole right next to the valvehole, on the right side and screw on a nipple - be Figure 1.2 sure to only screw on a few turns, using your fingers or a small screwdriver Insert the next spoke into the forth hole, from the one you’ve just used. (See figure 1.2)

1 2 Flip “wheel”.

2.1) As 1.1, but be sure to place the spokes, just right of the spokes on the other side of the hub. This part is very important.

2,2) Insert spokes, starting at the valvehole (again), just right of the spokes from the other side. (See figure 2.2) Figure 2.2

3 Flip “wheel”.

3.1) Insert spokes in the last 9 holes. This time away from the hub.

3.2) Twist hub towards left. Spokes will turn left towards the rim, instead of straight. Follow the pattern “Over, over, under and skip a hole” (there’ll be only two holes left for the spoke to fit in) to insert the spokes in the rim. The spokes should turn the opposite direction of the ones already in the rim. (See figure 3.2)

Figure 3.2 Over red and blue, under red, skip a hole.

4 Filp “wheel”.

4.1) Like 3.1.

4.2) Like 3.2.

5 Now all the spokes are in and all that’s left to do is tigthen the nipples gently all the way round to the same tension, before truing the wheel, either by yourself for have the bicycle mechanic do it for you.

Done.

Written and drawn by Jonas Andersson

Shared under Creative Commons

Any feedback is welcomed on [email protected]

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