Still need to write up some tips n tricks but got a tire mounted up.
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Question about wheel truing.
- Thread starter Mailman
- Start date
Mailman, there are already plenty of great tips in this string. Here are a few of my thoughts:
As Marty mentioned, the shop would want to restring your rim because it is easier that dealing with frozen spokes. I believe this is common because centrifugal force will pushes moisture down the spoke and into the nipple. If you ride in rain, this will happen. Sitting outside will also create this condition.
That said, your bike looks clean and well cared for. And it is clear you are bringing it back to pristine condition. My guess is that you will be able to true your wheels fairly easily. Just remember, those nipple have not been turned in 40 years. As mentioned, first use some penetrating oil. Stout spoke wrench; don’t be tempted to use a crescent wrench, this will surely round the nipples.
Trueing is not hard, but it is subtle. Think of pulling a wheel over in groups of 3 or 5 spokes. If the wheel is a little loose (from 20-40 years of use) tighten a group of 3 spokes on the side you are trying pull over. Small turns, 1/8 or 1/4 turn each. If the wheel is already “tight”, you will want to tighten one side while also loosening the other to keep the overall tension on the wheel the same. Again, small turns. The exception is a “dead” spoke- these I will tighten up to about the same tension as the spokes around it (and this may be enough to essentially solve a slight wobble).
Regarding a hop in a rim:
There is often a flat spot where the rim seam is. These are usually small and there is not much to be done.
Another possibility is that the tire with low pressure hit a curb or pothole to create a flat spot. This will take a BFH and a bit of work, then truing.
You said that the shop showed you the “hop” after they had mounted your tires. It is possible that the “hop” was actually from the tire not quite properly seated on the rim, rather than the rim itself. If they showed you the hop in the rim itself, then, obviously, that is where the flat spot is.
Your restoration is looking great. Even though the white is not original, I really like it. It is very clean; like the rest of your bike. Hope you keep it.
As Marty mentioned, the shop would want to restring your rim because it is easier that dealing with frozen spokes. I believe this is common because centrifugal force will pushes moisture down the spoke and into the nipple. If you ride in rain, this will happen. Sitting outside will also create this condition.
That said, your bike looks clean and well cared for. And it is clear you are bringing it back to pristine condition. My guess is that you will be able to true your wheels fairly easily. Just remember, those nipple have not been turned in 40 years. As mentioned, first use some penetrating oil. Stout spoke wrench; don’t be tempted to use a crescent wrench, this will surely round the nipples.
Trueing is not hard, but it is subtle. Think of pulling a wheel over in groups of 3 or 5 spokes. If the wheel is a little loose (from 20-40 years of use) tighten a group of 3 spokes on the side you are trying pull over. Small turns, 1/8 or 1/4 turn each. If the wheel is already “tight”, you will want to tighten one side while also loosening the other to keep the overall tension on the wheel the same. Again, small turns. The exception is a “dead” spoke- these I will tighten up to about the same tension as the spokes around it (and this may be enough to essentially solve a slight wobble).
Regarding a hop in a rim:
There is often a flat spot where the rim seam is. These are usually small and there is not much to be done.
Another possibility is that the tire with low pressure hit a curb or pothole to create a flat spot. This will take a BFH and a bit of work, then truing.
You said that the shop showed you the “hop” after they had mounted your tires. It is possible that the “hop” was actually from the tire not quite properly seated on the rim, rather than the rim itself. If they showed you the hop in the rim itself, then, obviously, that is where the flat spot is.
Your restoration is looking great. Even though the white is not original, I really like it. It is very clean; like the rest of your bike. Hope you keep it.
Double E , Thanks for the encouraging words.
I am learning a lot from this forum as I go along. I will continue to try and do as accurate and original work as possible. The members of this forum have been unbelievably giving of their time and experience and you all are a great asset to shade tree mechanic such as myself.
I am learning a lot from this forum as I go along. I will continue to try and do as accurate and original work as possible. The members of this forum have been unbelievably giving of their time and experience and you all are a great asset to shade tree mechanic such as myself.
