DIY Guide to Truing Your EXC 1501 SPLINE One Wheels

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The DT Swiss EXC 1501 SPLINE One [paid link] wheels are designed for exceptional performance on rough terrain, making them a popular choice among road and gravel cyclists. Over time, however, the wheels may experience minor issues such as wobbling or misalignment due to general wear or impact. Truing the wheel is essential to maintain its performance, durability, and smooth ride. This guide will take you through the process of truing your EXC 1501 SPLINE One [paid link] wheels, ensuring they stay in top shape for your cycling adventures.

Tools Required

  • Truing stand
  • Spoke wrench (specific to the nipple size of your EXC 1501 SPLINE One wheels)
  • Ruler or caliper
  • Bicycle tire lever (optional)
  • Bike stand [paid link] (optional, but recommended for easier wheel removal and truing)

Preparing the Wheel for Truing

Before you begin truing, ensure the wheel is clean and free from debris that might interfere with the process. Use a soft cloth and some mild soapy water to wipe down the rim. It’s also essential to remove the tire from the wheel to avoid any unnecessary interference while working on the spokes.

To remove the tire, deflate it completely and use a tire lever to pry the tire off the rim carefully. This will make the truing process much more efficient and accurate.

Setting Up the Wheel in a Truing Stand

For the most accurate results, it’s highly recommended to use a truing stand. This tool allows you to rotate the wheel while keeping it stationary, providing you with a clear view of the wheel’s alignment and making the truing process much more manageable.

Place the wheel in the truing stand and secure it tightly. Make sure the wheel spins freely without any resistance, and check that the rim is centered between the stands’ arms.

Checking for Lateral and Radial Trueness

Lateral trueness refers to the side-to-side movement of the wheel, while radial trueness involves any up-and-down motion or “hop” in the rim. Both are essential for a smooth and stable ride.

Spin the wheel slowly and observe the rim’s movement relative to the truing stand’s arms. If the wheel moves laterally or has a noticeable hop, these areas will need adjustment. Use the following steps to correct these issues.

Lateral Truing

  1. Identify the area of misalignment: Rotate the wheel and note where it deviates from the ideal position. If the rim moves side-to-side, that section needs to be tightened or loosened depending on the direction of the movement.
  2. Adjust the spoke tension: Using your spoke wrench, tighten the spokes on the side where the rim is deviating toward and loosen the spokes on the opposite side. Start with small adjustments, turning each spoke 1/4 turn at a time, and gradually work your way around the wheel.
  3. Check your progress: After each adjustment, spin the wheel again to check the alignment. Repeat the process until the rim is aligned evenly with the truing stand arms.

Radial Truing

  1. Locate any hops or high spots: While the wheel spins, look for any areas where the rim moves up and down. These are caused by variations in spoke tension.
  2. Tighten or loosen the corresponding spokes: If the rim is high in a specific section, tighten the spokes closest to that spot to pull the rim downward. Conversely, loosen the spokes on the opposite side. As with lateral truing, make gradual adjustments to maintain overall balance.
  3. Re-check for evenness: Once you’ve made your adjustments, spin the wheel again and observe for any remaining hops. Continue making small adjustments until the wheel is perfectly smooth.

Final Adjustments and Fine-Tuning

Once both lateral and radial truing are completed, it’s essential to fine-tune the wheel for optimal performance. Pay special attention to any spots that might still show slight movement. The goal is to have the rim running as smoothly and straight as possible.

Use your ruler or caliper to measure the distance between the rim and the truing stand arms, ensuring the wheel is centered. Perform a final check for any remaining wobbles or hops, and make the necessary fine adjustments.

Reinstalling the Tire

After ensuring that the wheel is true, you can proceed to reinstall the tire. Carefully fit the tire back onto the rim, making sure it’s evenly placed around the entire circumference. Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure and check for any irregularities in the ride.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

While truing your EXC 1501 SPLINE One wheels, you might encounter some common issues. Here’s how to address them:

  • Wobbling after adjustment: If your wheel wobbles after truing, it may indicate that one or more spokes have uneven tension. Check the spoke tension on both sides of the wheel and make additional adjustments as needed.
  • Persistent hopping: A hop in the rim may be caused by an uneven spoke tension or a bent rim. If the hop persists after multiple adjustments, inspect the rim carefully for any structural damage.
  • Spoke breakage: If you experience a broken spoke during truing, replace it immediately with a new one that matches the exact specifications for your EXC 1501 SPLINE One wheels. Use a spoke wrench to install the new spoke and adjust its tension to match the surrounding spokes.

Customization and Optimization

To further optimize the performance of your EXC 1501 SPLINE One wheels, consider the following tips:

  • Tire pressure: Ensure you’re running the right tire pressure based on the type of terrain and your riding style. Proper tire pressure helps maintain wheel trueness and maximizes durability.
  • Spoke tension: Over time, spoke tension may naturally decrease. Regularly check the spoke tension, and re-tighten spokes as necessary to prevent misalignment and maintain wheel integrity.
  • Regular wheel maintenance: Make truing your EXC 1501 SPLINE One wheels part of your regular maintenance routine. Regular checks will help identify issues early, preventing more significant problems down the line.

Conclusion

Truing your EXC 1501 SPLINE One wheels is a straightforward task that can be done with minimal tools and expertise. By following this guide, you can ensure that your wheels remain true and perform optimally, offering you a smooth and stable ride for many miles. Regular maintenance, including truing, is key to getting the most out of your DT Swiss wheels.