Please note wheel building courses are currently paused.
Introduction to wheel building
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the science and practice of wheel building. It is ‘introductory’ in as much as there is no prerequisite experience or knowledge required to participate in the course. However the course is ‘advanced’ in that the content goes much deeper into the theoretical and technical aspects of contemporary wheel building craft. As part of this course you will build your own wheel or wheelset to take home.
Topics covered include:
- Wheel science
- Wheel design
- Spoke length calculations
- Component preparation
- Wheel building tools
- Lacing techniques
- The wheel building process
Requirements: Wheel components (i.e. hubs and rims) must be available at least two weeks before the start of the course to ensure preparation of spokes that are the correct length. Participants can source their own wheel components (hubs and rims) or they can be purchased through Melody Wheels. Wheel components such as deep carbon road rims, alloy nipples, internal nipples, and/or bladed spokes are not permitted in this course. All wheels built during the course will be assessed at the end with final adjustments made by the course co-ordinator.
Course outcomes: Participants will build one wheel to a professional standard. Course participants will develop their wheel knowledge and practice of wheel building so they will be able to build a wheel from start to finish. Course participants will be confident in building and repairing wheels, and in diagnosing the causes of wheel failure.
Additional information: Participants looking to build a new wheelset will be able to build their second wheel at the the Melody Wheels workshop in O’Connor during regular workshop hours. If you do not wish to build your second wheel, it can be built by Melody Wheels for an additional $50.
Course length: 2 days (9am to 5pm), max. of 4 participants per instructor.
Cost: $500 course fee
Places are limited. Registrations are confirmed once a 50% deposit is paid.
New Course Dates for 2020:
Thursday 9 January & Friday 10 January 2010 (max 6 participants).