how do true bike wheels?

Answer 1

There's a lot to it... go slow and start small.

Here's the basics:
- a new, true wheel should have even, tight spoke tension on every spoke (front wheel) and per side of a back wheel (left and right side spokes are different tension).
- a wheel can be out of true in a couple of ways - side to side (called a wobble, where it rubs the brake pads), or up and down (called a hop)
- wheels go out of true from wear and tear, bumps etc. The result is that spokes are no longer even tension. In reality ,the rim itself is slightly bent, but you can't really straighten it so instead we do some re-tightening on spokes to make it straight again. This of course means the spokes will not have uniform tension anymore...
- basically, if the rim wobbles left, you tighten the right spoke a bit and maybe loosen the left spoke a bit. This is where caution and experience are critical - the goal is to keep the spoke tension as even (close to original spec) as possible, while straightening the wheel.
- use a proper spoke wrench. There are different sizes depending on what "gauge" of spokes. If you don't know, ask at a bike shop. Do not use pliers, an adjustable wrench, vise grips, etc - they will slip on the tiny little flats of the spoke nipples and round it off and then you'll be hosed.
- hops are really hard to get out. Usually they happen because you hit something hard like a curb or pothole. Sometimes it's best just to even up the spoke tension and live with it, if you can.

There's more, best books on the topic are:
"The bicycle wheel" by Jobst Brandt

and this e-book:
http://www.roadbikerider.com/wb_page.htm

Answer 2

Wheel truing is probably the most difficult repair a bike shop will perform. Every wheel is differrent and similar problems could be caused by different things. In fact, some stores bill truing by the hour.

The basic concept is that spokes around the wheel should be evenly tensioned. With perfectly distributed stress, the wheel should be striaght and round. Thinking about it in cross section - if a wheel leans too far to the left, righten the spoke on the right - and just keep going.

Most simple and routine truing can be done by the above method. If the problem is severe, it could be the result of a bent rim rather than misaligned spokes. In this case, you won't be able to apply even tension. These repairs become more difficult.

Answer 3

By reading The Bicycle Wheel by Jobst Brandt, buying all the tools and practicing until your fingertips bleed.

Answer 4

carry a chunk of chalk gradually on the area of the rim as you spin the wheel. circulate the chalk nearer to the rim until it touches the parts of the rim closest to the chalk. quit the wheel and tighten the spokes that bypass to the rim on the different area of the chalk marks. Be counseled that that's a back-backyard authentic job. To do a reliable job, you like a truing stand, the right spoke wrench, a dishing gadget and a spoke rigidity meter..... and.... lots of experience! reliable success

Answer 5

You just hit it with a hammer ... stupid