My Rim Has A Wobble!
 eft wobble, right wobble! Is a new rim the next best
step? Truing bicycle wheels is not some arcane
science reserved for experienced bike mechanics, aerospace engineers, or the most
mechanically minded among us. It requires only a basic understanding of the process and
some practice. What's more, it's worth learning, because straight, evenly tensioned wheels
are more reliable and allow a tighter brake adjustment.
Tools
The most important truing tool is a good wrench for
turning the spoke nipples. There are different nipple sizes, but you needn't worry about
this if you purchase an inexpensive multisize spoke wrench.
Truing is easiest in a wheel stand that lets you
spin the wheel and inspect the rim for bends as it passes the adjustable reference arms
(usually large bolts with easy to turn knobs). Truing stands are available from bike
shops, beginning at about $40. In this discussion, it's assumed that you are using such a
stand. (Alternatively, you can hang or support your bike so the wheel being worked on is
off the ground and turns freely. In this case, the brake pads are the reference points. If
the wheel is so bent that it strikes the pads and cannot turn, open the brake
quick-release to provide extra room.)
Since major wheel truing mistakes can be costly,
you may want to practice on a used wheel. Ask at a shop for a cheap or free one. For this
purpose, a wheel with significant wobbles is best because the bad spots are easily
identified and improvements are more noticeable.
Inspection
Damaged wheel components make truing difficult. For
instance, it's important that nipples turn freely. Sometimes the corners of the nipples,
which are made of brass, have been rounded, which prevents gripping them with a spoke
wrench. Damaged nipples should be replaced one at a time before you start truing. Corroded
nipples may not turn. You can try applying penetrating oil, but usually the best solution
is to have the wheel rebuilt with new spokes.
Certain types of rim damage can make
wheel truing difficult or impossible. When the rim is bent from a severe impact or has
numerous impact dents or bulges, spoke tension adjustments do little good. |
