Wheelbuilding

The wheelwright must ensure that the wheel is true in two ways: lateral (sideways wobble) and radial (roundness/hop).

They are popular, and quite light (in the more expensive models) but not as durable, readily repairable or maintainable as a conventional wheel.

Some wheels are designed around carbon fiber spokes, which are often completely integrated with the hub and rim and bladed in shape.

Non-steel spokes are normally reserved for racing bikes and other specialist applications where weight, aerodynamics and performance are valued over durability and cost.

Rims were traditionally made of steel, but currently aluminum is by far the most common and best choice due to its light weight, high durability and stiffness.

Composite materials such as carbon fiber are sometimes used, typically for racing competitions such as time trial, triathlon and track cycling, although carbon fiber is becoming more common for recreational uses such as road cycling or mountain biking due to its looks, strength and feel.

Loose spokes on a wheel fatigue rapidly and break, usually at the bend where they attach to the hub.

There are many programs available and they range in complexity from simple Excel spreadsheets to stand alone desktop applications and web based calculators.

An alternative method is to refer to a table which has the spoke lengths for a number of common hub and rim combinations.

A good wheelbuilder will ensure that the valve hole lies between two nearly parallel spokes to ease attachment of a pump head.