A great wheelset can make or break a bike’s performance, but have you ever wondered what it takes to build one from scratch? All those spokes, tension, and precise calculations—it can be quite tedious! 🛠️🚴♂️
As Ollie continues restoring a classic Italian Bottecchia, Alex steps in with a plan to craft custom wheels that perfectly suit the vintage ride. But wheel building is no easy task—so he calls in backup!
Joining forces with Calvin from Park Tool, Alex dives into the art and science of building the perfect wheelset for this iconic restoration. Get ready for plenty of bike geekery!
00:00 How to build road bike wheels
00:34 Meeting Calvin from Park Tool
02:10 Spoke lengths and patterns
04:43 Getting the right spoke length
08:03 The spoke nipple
11:42 Different types of spokes
14:27 Different types of spoke nipples
15:41 Spoke tension
18:31 The right tools and right measurements
21:07 Practice makes perfect
22:01 Getting everything measured up
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Have you ever tried to build your own wheels? 🛞
Watch more on GCN Tech...
📹 Restoring a Retro Italian Steel Bike | Day 1 👉 https://youtu.be/RkACh0cVTCI
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📸 Photos - © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sprint Cycling Agency
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