Preparation

• 1). Obtain spokes of the correct length for your rim-to-hub flange ratio from your local bike shop. If ordering parts online, use an online spoke length calculator to determine the correct spoke size.
  
  
• 2). Coat the threads of your spokes with a thin layer of spoke prep or a light oil. If using spoke prep, allow it to dry briefly.
  
  
• 3). Lace one side of your hub with one fourth of the spokes. Thread the spokes through every-other hole toward the center of the hub. The spoke heads should face outward.
  
  

Connecting Hub to Rim

• 1). Locate the valve hole in the rim and insert a spoke into the spoke hole directly next to the valve hole. Thread a nipple onto the spoke so nipple and spoke are loosely connected. This is the key spoke.
  
  
• 2). Insert the remaining eight spokes into every fourth hole and loosely thread a nipple onto each spoke.
  
  
• 3). Turn the hub and rim assembly over so the side of the hub with no spokes is facing upward. Drop nine spokes into every other hole in the upper flange so the spoke heads face outward.
  
  
• 4). Locate the valve hole and the key spoke. Thread the spoke immediately behind the key spoke in the opposite flange into the spoke hole next to the key spoke.
  
  
• 5). Insert the remaining eight spokes into every fourth hole. The spokes should stick out along the outside of the rim approximately the same amount when you hold the hub in the center of the wheel.
  
  

Crossing Spokes

• 1). Twist the hub so the spokes run diagonally from the flange to the rim. This is the final position of the hub and the spokes will no longer extend beyond the outside of the rim.
  
  
• 2). Insert nine spokes into one side of the hub from the back of the flange so the head of the spokes face inward.
  
  
• 3). With the hub still twisted, grasp a loose spoke and bring it across the first set of spokes you threaded into the rim so the loose spoke runs diagonally in the opposite direction. Pull this spoke across two spokes with outward-facing spoke heads. At the third spoke head, push the loose spoke behind the threaded spoke. This creates the three-cross spoke pattern of "over, over, under."
  
  
• 4). Pull the loose spoke to the rim. There will be two empty spoke holes. Insert the spoke into the second hole, the one farthest from the tip of the spoke. Use the flathead screwdriver inserted into the spoke hole from the outside of the rim to thread the nipple onto the spoke.
  
  
• 5). Lace the remaining eight spokes in the "over, over, under, skip a hole" pattern and loosely thread the nipples. Turn the wheel over and repeat steps 1 through 5 on the other side of the hub.
  
  

Tensioning and Dishing

• 1). Using the screwdriver and spoke wrench, tighten all the nipples so the threads on the spokes are no longer visible.
  
  
• 2). Place the wheel into the truing stand. Starting at the key spoke, work your way around the wheel, tightening the spokes until there is equal tension all the way around.
  
  
• 3). True the wheel. Occasionally remove the wheel from the truing stand to check that it is evenly dished on both sides.