The Bicycle Wheel

By Jobst Brandt

Book Overview

The 'Bicycle Wheel' is a book for every cyclist, from novice rider to experienced wheel builder, going beyond the most commonly asked questions. This volume answers questions such as: Should I use low- or high-flanged hubs for touring * Should I spoke crossed-four or crossed-three? Are radially spoked wheels stiffer than crossed-four? * How can I build a 32-spoke crossed-two wheel? * Should I use butted or straight sookes? * Does tying and soldering give a rough ride?

Based on years of experience, the author has divided the book into three parts. Part One, Theory, explains how wheels respond to loads. It discusses the merits of various designs and components, and explains what causes failures. Part Two, Practice, gives a step-by-step guide for building front and rear wheels and wheels with different patterns and numbers of spokes. Part Three, Data, contains test results and formulas for computing spoke lengths and other wheel dimensions.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0960723641
• ISBN13: 9780960723645
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: Avocet Press
• Weight: 1.07 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Invaluable Guide to Wheelbuilding

I built my first pair of wheels six months ago using Jobst's book. I had no prior wheel building experience, and no assistance or any other guidance. The wheels have been reliable and remain true after several thousand miles.Jobst explodes the 'myth and lore' surrounding bicycle wheels and provides a straightforward, practical handbook. If you follow the directions exactly, you will be rewarded with durable, true bicycle wheels.

Build, maintain and repair your own wheels without fear

I have been using Mr. Brandt's book for 19 years now (since its first edition in 1981). It is invaluable. Concise, clearly written. It debunks myths and makes the seemingly complicated matter of the bicycle wheel easy to understand and not intimidating at all. Maintain, repair, rebuild or build new wheels. The results are perfect. Ride without fear. Have pride in what you have done and show it off to others.

Build Your Own Wheels

This is the book if you even have a remote interest in building your own wheels. You will not be intimidated by this book. Use the easy to follow instructions and you will have the intense satisfaction of riding on wheels you have done yourself.

Opinionated and Priceless

Jobst Brandt is an engineer who has been a consultant to the bicycle industry for many years, having been involved in the creation of Avocet's line of road tires, among other products. Those who have corresponded with him or read his posts on rec.bicycling know him as an opinionated, seemingly gruff fellow who does not suffer fools lightly. Quite a reputation. But what Jobst is probably best known for is this book, The Bicycle Wheel. In it, he demolishes myths, and gives actual engineering data to support his contentions about bicycle wheels materials and construction. He tells you why butted spokes are better and longer lasting than straight gauge spokes, and why tying and soldering spokes doesn't make a wheel any stronger (and why it was nonetheless a useful thing for track racers to do). He explains why radial spoking doesn't really make for a rougher ride, as some claim, and he gives actual figures on elongation and strain to back up his claims And he teaches you how to build good bicycle wheels, too. This is a book for any serious bicycle rider. If you choose to build your own wheels, Brandt will teach you to that. If you buy your wheels, Brandt will teach you to spec and maintain them. And if you're simply interested in better understanding the function and physics of bicycle wheels, he'll teach you that as well. Not a bad deal for one small volume.