Tech: How To Lace A Rim Easily

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How To Change Out A Rim The Easy Way

Story and Photos by Jimmy Lewis

Spoke-Rim-17

Changing a rim is a task many are afraid of. But with a few tips and tricks anyone could do it. DBT will give you the steps you’ll need to change out a rim in one quick session.

Plan ahead and use some lube on the spoke nipples. We like a penetrating oil like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench to help break lose the spokes. Especially on aluminum nipples as they tend to corrode. Squirt a little bit on both sides of the nipples and let it sit overnight. This will really help.
Plan ahead and use some lube on the spoke nipples. We like a penetrating oil like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench to help break the spokes loose. Especially on aluminum nipples as they tend to corrode. Squirt a little bit on both sides of the nipples and let it sit overnight. This will really help.
One huge trick that takes some of the wheel building skill out of the process is to use wire or zip-ties to wrap each spoke at the crossing point. This will keep spoke placement so you just drop the new rim right in place.
One huge trick that takes some of the wheel building skill out of the process is to use wire or zip-ties to wrap each spoke at the crossing point. This will keep spoke placement so you just drop the new rim right in place.
When loosening the spokes take some time to note the distance that the spoke goes into the nipple. You can do this by counting how many turns the nipple takes to come off or even by visually seeing how deep it goes into the nipple from inside the rim.
When loosening the spokes take some time to note the distance that the spoke goes into the nipple. You can do this by counting how many turns the nipple takes to come off or even by visually seeing how deep it goes into the nipple from inside the rim. This will give you a head start on the assembly process and make truing the wheel easier.
Sometimes the inner of the nipple has a flat or Phillips drive which makes for easier assembly/dis-assembly.
Sometimes the inner of the nipple has a flat or Phillips drive which makes for easier assembly/dis-assembly.
Sometimes when you have a difficult spoke, loosening the spokes on the other side of the wheel will help take tension off that spoke. If it continues to be difficult you may have to grab the spoke with vice grips or pliers to keep the spoke from spinning.
Sometimes when you have a difficult spoke, loosening the spokes on the other side of the wheel will help take tension off that spoke. If it continues to be difficult you may have to grab the spoke with vice grips or pliers to keep the spoke from spinning.
A little heat can help stubborn spokes too.
A little heat can help stubborn spokes too.
When you put the new rim on pay close attention to the orientation of the nipple holes. They are directional in both which direction they are facing and also to which side the spoke comes in from.
When you put the new rim on pay close attention to the orientation of the nipple holes. They are directional in both which direction they are facing and also to which side the spoke comes in from.
When attaching the nipples to the spokes do not tighten them too much. Also make sure you tighten each one the same amount to keep the rim as centered as possible in the beginning.
When attaching the nipples to the spokes do not tighten them too much. Also make sure you tighten each one the same amount to keep the rim as centered as possible in the beginning.
Measure to make sure you have the rim centered. Measuring before you disassemble isn't a bad thing to do either to make sure your wheel is centered, there are some bikes with slight offsets.
Measure to make sure you have the rim centered. Measuring before you disassemble isn’t a bad thing to do either, there are some bikes with slight offsets.
You do not need a wheel stand to true the rim up. You can mount the wheel on the bike and use the fork leg or the swingarm to attach zip-ties that will act as guides to show you if the rim is straight and true.
You do not need a wheel stand to true the rim up. You can mount the wheel on the bike and use the fork leg or the swingarm to attach zip-ties that will act as guides to show you if the rim is straight and true.
A drill motor with a screw torque setting can speed things up too.
A drill motor with a screw torque setting can speed things up too.
When you spin the rim you can see where it needs to be tightened or loosened. Remember the wheel is like a big spring and sometimes you need to loosen spokes to get the rim straight
When you spin the rim you can see where it needs to be tightened or loosened. Remember the wheel is like a big spring and sometimes you need to loosen spokes to get the rim straight
Using a good quality spoke wrench makes a ton of difference in not rounding the nipples. To achieve the proper torque on the spokes Fasst Co. makes a spoke torque wrench that is awesome.
Using a good quality spoke wrench makes a ton of difference in not rounding the nipples. To achieve the proper torque on the spokes Fasst Co. makes a spoke torque wrench that is awesome.

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