Cost Of Truing A Bike Wheel
No matter how well you take care of your two-wheeler, there will always be some minor issues that appear out of nowhere. A faint rattling sound coming from the bike wheels is one such common problem. It happens when your wheels bend and lose alignment.
To fix this issue, you must ‘true’ your bike wheels. But, what’s the cost of truing a bike wheel? You need to pay about $20 to $40 for a professional fixing. If you choose a DIY method instead, the cost can vary from $10 to $320, depending on which tool you’re using.
Let’s dive deeper into the topic and find out the estimated cost for truing bike wheels. We will also discuss how you can easily identify an untrue bike wheel.
Estimated Cost of Truing Bike Wheels
You can either buy new wheels or get them fixed to solve the wobbling problem. The cost of getting a new wheel starts from $80, increasing all the way to $1500 or more. So, it’s a better option to get a fix instead.
Below are the estimated costs of truing bike wheels in various situations. Let’s check them out.
1. Truing Cost at Local Shops
This is probably the most convenient choice for bikers. Since your local mechanics have all the necessary tools for truing a wheel, the fee will be pretty small. The overall cost varies between $20 and $40 depending on the wheel condition and time requirement.
2. Estimated Cost with A Professional Truing Stand
To get the wheel in line and achieve perfect roundness, it’s best to use a professional truing stand. On average, you need to spend $80 to $320 for this tool. Although this is a pretty big investment for many bikers, you have to remember that you’re paying only once for this professional tool.
Once you buy it, you don’t have to get a mechanic or try other methods to fix a wobbling bike wheel. Also, the truing stand will serve you for years without any problem.
3. Cost of Truing Using DIY Method
DIY methods are the most economical option for minor fixes. In this case, you’ll be able to fix an untrue wheel just by spending $10 max.
This is the cost of a wheel stabilizer strap that holds the wheel in place to prevent wobbling. You’ll also need a spoke wrench to adjust the spoke tension. And this tool is often available in any regular toolbox. If not, it will cost you $10 more.
Identifying An Untrue Bike Wheel
Before going to a mechanic, you need to be sure if your bike needs truing or not. So, here are the signs of an untrue bike wheel-
- Rattling Sounds
When the spokes on your wheel become loose, you will hear odd rattling noises while riding. Check the spokes for confirmation and use a spoke wrench to tighten them.
- Deformed Wheels
Visually inspect the wheels for precise roundness. If the wheel is deformed, it will wobble with each rotation. That’s when you know it needs to be fixed.
- Lateral True
In this case, the wheel will wobble sideways and make a dub-dub noise. The bike produces a similar sound when something goes wrong with the brake. So, check the brakes first and inspect the wheel alignment to spot the problem.
Final Words
So, now you know the cost of truing a bike wheel. The most economical option will be truing at home using a spoke tool and stabilizer strap. Otherwise, you can take it to the local mechanic for a quick and easy fix at a small price (No wonder why mechanics make so much money). If you want something long-lasting, go for a truing tool instead.