lacing up a 75 front wheel....Help needed

[Pisfat]

hi guys

I am rebuilding a 75 ironhead and want to convert to 21 inch front rim. The problem I am having is getting started in the lacing up process.

Has anyone laced up an old front wheel. This is a disk brake set up not drum.

The rear is easy. I have my bike manual but its not that helpful.

And tips on how tp get started would be great.

Steve

[timmii]

First thing to do would be to count the number of spoke holes and determine the cross pattern you will be using.

From there you learn where the initial spoke needs to be in relation to the valve stem hole. And than things just fall into place as you lace all the trailing spokes, than all the leading spokes, than adjust for uniform tension and wheel true.

Here is a great write up on lacing wheels.

http://sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html#lacing

[Uneasy Rider]

Back then we used to make a lacing jig, there are blue prints for them around the net.