I have made fire...I mean a wheel.

[mtnbkr]

I finally assembled the pile of parts into a functioning singlespeed wheel. It even held up for my test ride. It was much easier than I expected. The only problem is a very minor flat spot due to the previously used rim. I used a standard 3 cross pattern. I didn't have a tension meter handy, so I used tone and luck. I'm sure my build quality makes baby Jesus cry, but it'll do for now.

Specs:
Surly "New" Hub fixed/free
used Velocity Cliffhanger rim 26"
14g DT spokes with brass nipples (nobody had enough 14/15g double butted spokes in stock).
Shimano 17t freewheel (32t chainring up front).

Once I'm sure the wheel is gonna last, I'll put a 17t track cog on the other side of the hub for a little offroad fixxie action.

Chris

[Jamisjockey]

I know I'm just lazy, but I ordered as set of Neuvations for my 'cross bike.  Man they are sweet!  I'll let someone else, preferably in a Chinese sweatshop, do my wheelbuilding.
I'm going to hijack your thread now, too.
Ever been up around Harper's Ferry?  My understanding is its near the C&O.  How's the fishing up there, any idea?

[Harold Tuttle]

i built alot of wheels back in the day.

didja grease the threads?

I never used a tension meter,
the pluck and strum always ran true,
but then again i am Mr. F. G. Superman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxfzm9dfqBw

[mtnbkr]

Ever been up around Harper's Ferry?  My understanding is its near the C&O.  How's the fishing up there, any idea?

Yes.  It's on the other side of the river from the C&O, but there's a convenient footbridge from the path to HF.  From Point of Rocks (near Leesburg) to HF and back is roughly 25 miles.  It's a perfect trail for a 'cross bike.  Once the leaves start changing, I'm going to organize a lunchtime trip from PoR to HF and back with a stop in HF for lunch.  You're welcome to join us (MORE ride).  I've only fished that area once, but it seemed decent.  Caught a few smallies and had one monster fish try to grab the smallie I just hooked as I was reeling it in.  All this happened mere feet from my feet.

didja grease the threads?

Yup, I used some light grease (Englund Slick Honey) on the threads and spoke heads.

Chris

[Jamisjockey]

Ever been up around Harper's Ferry?  My understanding is its near the C&O.  How's the fishing up there, any idea?

Yes.  It's on the other side of the river from the C&O, but there's a convenient footbridge from the path to HF.  From Point of Rocks (near Leesburg) to HF and back is roughly 25 miles.  It's a perfect trail for a 'cross bike.  Once the leaves start changing, I'm going to organize a lunchtime trip from PoR to HF and back with a stop in HF for lunch.  You're welcome to join us (MORE ride).  I've only fished that area once, but it seemed decent.  Caught a few smallies and had one monster fish try to grab the smallie I just hooked as I was reeling it in.  All this happened mere feet from my feet.

didja grease the threads?

Yup, I used some light grease (Englund Slick Honey) on the threads and spoke heads.

Chris

Let me know when you get those rides scheduled.

[Gewehr98]

When I worked for Schwinn in the 1980s, my mentor would have me tension my wheel builds by the pluck and strum method only. 

I still hate sew-up rims and tires.   

[Jamisjockey]

When I worked for Schwinn in the 1980s, my mentor would have me tension my wheel builds by the pluck and strum method only. 

I still hate sew-up rims and tires.   

I only ride clinchers.

[French G.]

Ever been up around Harper's Ferry?  My understanding is its near the C&O.  How's the fishing up there, any idea?

It's wonderful, good smallie territory. The Canal makes for great bike rides too and the town is quite scenic, especially in fall color. I used to go up there a lot on day trips. The Potomac can be big water as far as fishing, so exercise caution. I was swimming the thing to get to where I wanted to fish on the center islands, the river was still pretty much spring flood. The whole plan was go upstream a few hundred meters, swim like hell and wash up about where you wanted to be downstream. Or not. I wish my plan had included tying my $200 some worth of flybox to me instead of being in a pocket. 

[mtnbkr]

W00T! 

22 miles offroad last night and the wheel held up just fine.

Chris

[Brad Johnson]

W00T! 

22 miles offroad last night and the wheel held up just fine.

Chris

22 miles.  On a bicycle.

Some of you people are a little touched in the head.

Brad

[K Frame]

Excellent.

You're a regular GEICO caveman.