Truing your Next R 36 Carbon [paid link] wheels is an essential skill for maintaining optimal performance and ride quality. Properly trued wheels ensure that your bike handles smoothly, reduces the risk of damage to your frame, and extends the lifespan of your components. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of truing your Race Face Next R 36 Carbon [paid link] wheels with a detailed, step-by-step approach.
Tools Required:
- Truing stand
- Spoke wrench
- Ruler or caliper (for measuring rim deviation)
- Tension meter (optional, but helpful for achieving uniform spoke tension)
- Lubricant (for spoke threads)
- Needle nose pliers (for fine adjustments)
Understanding Wheel Truing
Before diving into the steps of wheel truing, it’s important to understand why wheel truing is necessary. Truing refers to the process of adjusting the tension of the spokes to ensure the wheel is perfectly round and straight. A wheel that is out of true can cause poor braking performance, excessive wear on tires, and can even lead to wheel failure if left unchecked. The Next R [paid link] 36 Carbon wheels are designed for performance, so keeping them true is key to getting the most out of them.
Step 1: Mount the Wheel on the Truing Stand
To begin, you’ll need a truing stand. A truing stand allows you to spin the wheel while checking for deviations. It holds the wheel in place and lets you observe the lateral (side-to-side) and radial (up-and-down) trueness of the wheel.
- Secure the wheel on the truing stand with the hub firmly clamped in place.
- Ensure the wheel is centered between the two arms of the stand.
- Spin the wheel slowly to identify any noticeable wobbles or inconsistencies.
Step 2: Check Lateral and Radial Deviation
Lateral deviation refers to the side-to-side wobbling of the wheel, while radial deviation involves up-and-down motion, which is caused by an out-of-round wheel. Both types of deviation need to be corrected.
- Spin the wheel and watch for any side-to-side or up-and-down movements.
- Use a ruler or caliper to measure any side-to-side deviation (lateral) and the distance between the rim and the truing stand’s arms to detect radial deviations.
- Mark the areas of the wheel where the deviations occur for easier tracking.
Step 3: Begin Adjusting the Spokes
Now that you have located the areas of deviation, it’s time to start adjusting the spoke tension. The Next R [paid link] 36 Carbon wheels use butted spokes, so it’s important to make slight adjustments to prevent over-tightening and damaging the carbon rims.
Adjusting Lateral Deviation:
- Locate the high spot: For lateral deviation, you’ll need to identify the point where the rim is out of true. If the rim is too far left or right, you’ll need to tighten or loosen the spokes on the opposite side.
- Loosen spokes on the high side: To move the rim towards the center, use the spoke wrench to slightly loosen the spokes on the side where the rim is bulging out.
- Tighten spokes on the low side: Tighten the spokes on the opposite side to bring the rim back into alignment.
- Check frequently: After each adjustment, rotate the wheel to check if the lateral deviation has improved.
Adjusting Radial Deviation:
- Identify the low spots: For radial truing, the wheel’s high and low spots can be identified by observing the gap between the rim and the truing stand’s arms.
- Loosen spokes at the low spots: At the low spots, slightly loosen the spokes to allow the rim to return to a rounder shape.
- Tighten spokes at the high spots: Tighten the spokes at the high spots of the rim to increase the tension and bring the rim back into a circular shape.
- Recheck the wheel: Continue to spin the wheel and check for any remaining radial deviation.
Step 4: Checking and Fine-Tuning Spoke Tension
Ensuring uniform spoke tension across the wheel is crucial for maintaining the wheel’s structural integrity. Uneven spoke tension can lead to deformation of the rim or even wheel failure.
- Measure spoke tension: If available, use a tension meter to check the uniformity of spoke tension across the wheel. Ideally, the tension should be as even as possible across all spokes.
- Lubricate spoke threads: Before tightening or loosening spokes, apply a small amount of lubricant to the threads of the spoke nipples. This reduces friction and allows for more precise adjustments.
- Adjust spokes evenly: Gradually tighten or loosen spokes in small increments. Over-tightening one spoke can cause damage, so always adjust several spokes evenly to maintain a balanced wheel.
Step 5: Recheck the Wheel
After making the necessary adjustments, spin the wheel again on the truing stand. Check for both lateral and radial deviations once more. If necessary, make fine adjustments by tightening or loosening the spokes in small increments.
It’s essential to periodically stop and recheck your work throughout the process to ensure the wheel is perfectly true before finalizing the truing.
Step 6: Final Inspection and Ride Test
Once the wheel appears to be true, conduct a final inspection by spinning the wheel and checking for any persistent deviations. Run your fingers around the rim to feel for any sharp points or rough areas where spokes may have been over-tightened.
Finally, install the wheel back on your bike and conduct a test ride. During the ride, pay attention to any vibrations, wobbling, or other signs that the wheel may need further adjustments. If you notice any issues, repeat the truing process or consider consulting a professional mechanic if necessary.
Conclusion
Truing your Next R 36 Carbon wheels can significantly enhance your bike’s performance and longevity. By following this guide, you can ensure that your wheels remain in excellent condition, providing a smooth and safe riding experience. Regular maintenance, including wheel truing, is a key aspect of bike care that will keep your Next R 36 Carbon wheels rolling true for years to come.