Wheelbuilding classes this winter

[nigel]

Just a thought.....Id like to get a wheelbuilding class together this winter if there is enough interest. It would involve building whatever type of wheel you want. The parts would all be discounted but I'd have to charge for the class (it would be at my shop) Just curious if there would be interest. If people wanna do it Im game to get it going (if my master builder is too hehe)

So....good discounts on Hubs/ Rims/ Spokes/ Rim Strips/ Tires/ Tubes/ Cassettes/ Skewers

You'd get to learn how to build a wheel and keep them true as well.

lemme know the interest level and such. Keep in mind you may be able to buy a pre-built set cheaper, Im getting a list of pricing together, trying to keep it low, but mail order makes it almost impossible to make money on it for us. But you get to learn a kick butt thing and get your very own hand built wheelset to your very own specs!!!


Douglas

[SPR]

Sounds like an interesting idea. I do most of my own maintenance but have never attempted wheelbuilding.
It is something I wouldn't mind knowing how to do.
Keep us posted.

[ostertoaster85]

I build my own wheels already, (taught myself from a book) so I'm not interested in a class, but I would encourage other people to learn how to do it. It's really kind of relaxing to build wheels and it's also probably more relaxing to learn in a class rather than from a book.

[zerpy]

I think this would be a great skill to learn. When you say discounted parts, do you mean parts on the "cheaper" end, high end stuff or a broad spectrum.

I'm definately interested, depending on when the class is and how much parts are would decide whether or not I can do it but it sounds pretty cool.

jas

[Don Youngdahl]

I used to build my own wheels a long time ago in my early roadie days, when my available money was relatively less than my available time. Now that the reverse is true, I just don't want to take the time any more.

If anyone wants an excellent basic book on wheelbuilding, try to find Building Bicycle Wheels, by Robert Wright, 1977, Anderson World Inc, P. O. Box 159, Mountain View, CA 94042. It's simple, straightforward, and does a good job of de-mystifying the science and art of bicycle wheels.

If you want a more theoretical treatment of wheels, try The Bicycle Wheel, by Jobst Brandt, a renowned expert on bicycle dynamics.

Don Youngdahl

[Tetreves]

I for one would definatly be interested, although I will admit I'm a little strapped for cash at the moment. (But my house has available rooms if anyone seeks a cool place to live...)

If the price is good and the discount on the parts is good I'm in.

-ed

[UP_boy]

I'd be interested in learning how to build wheels.

[smeulebroe]

I would be very interested in this class. It would have to be on a weekend for it to work for me though.

[nigel]

Well so from pricing things, looks pretty good. Ill have a complete list ready soon, and more can be added if parts are not on it that people want.

As for size and such, looks like maybe 2 per class and a 2 on 2 thing. So maybe 4 classes a week or so, dunno yet, working on that, and we'll have to see how many people sign up too.

As for cost....well my initial thought was $50, but ima thinking it will end up being $75 and the tools required will be given to you rather than having to buy em. Or I buy a few sets myself, and we just re-use em time after time. Not sure on that yet either.

But so far looking like a go for this winter if people want it!!

Douglas

[manual63]

I don't see, "I already know how to build them as a selection", so I can't vote.

[noise_is_life]

Just the other day I was wondering where I could go to learn about wheel building. I am definitely interested.

[nigel]

OK Shad....next time I'll add a "SHAD" spot :crazy:

[noise_is_life]

Have you had any more thoughts about this.

I'm starting to have broken spoke hell on the stock rear wheel on my Jamis and will probably have to have it relaced with stronger spokes, so the wheel building class would really come in handy.

[manual63]

It would be a good way to go, but remember that if you want to build your own wheels, you need the tools. The expensive one being a truing stand. I have the park Professional one that is like $250 or so, but they do make less expensive ones. A dish tool is needed if you care to measure the dish, which I uaually don't because the stand lines up the wheel quite well for me. Other tools needed are a spoke tensioner, spoke wrenches, and a spoke driver to save your fingers some pain and frustration.

A good quality setup could cost $300 - $500, but you can get by cheaper.

[nigel]

I have a complete pricing list for those interested in the class. Please email me or come on down to the shop to discuss signing up and to see the list. I dont plan on having the "official" sign up for at least another month. I would like to have this be an off-season class, that way we can do it during store hours to accomodate everyone schedules.

St Paul Cycles
2024 Ford Parkway
651-690-1862

The way we are going to run it is to have everyone sign up, pick parts, pay for parts, I'll order parts, build em up.

I would like to have a 2 on 1 session with this. We could have a group of like 15 or so at a time, but I feel with 2 on 1 you will be getting more of a learning experience rather than just going through the steps with a group. This way you will actually learn more and be able to ask questions easier.

So please contact me at the shop or email ro stop by. More to come as the climate gets worse!!!


Douglas

[nigel]

The wheelbuilding class is cancelled for reasons beyond my control...... :( I will explain at the next maintanance class.

For those who showed interest and wanted it thanks much!!!

There WILL be one at some point, just not going to easily happen right this winter unfortunatly.

Everyone who planned to attend please PM me as well.

Douglas