How to Make a Bike Tire Truing Stand

If you notice that one or both of your bicycle's wheels are visibly wobbly, this means that they are out of true, or more simply, not straight. Although a slightly out of true wheel is not a cause for concern for the average cyclist, the problem can grow worse and lead to uneven, inefficient braking and poor turning. A wheel is trued or made straight by placing it on a small stand and adjusting spoke tension. These stands can cost hundreds of dollars, but a homemade one is significantly cheaper and works just as well.

• 1

  Strip the old road bike fork of all nuts, bolts, spacers and old grease.

• 2

  Cut the fork's steering tube down to a length of about 3 inches using a hacksaw, if required.

• 3

  Drill a hole about 3/8-inch deep into the 2 by 4 block using your drill and 1-inch drill bit.

• 4

  Place the fork's steering tube into the hole in the 2 by 4. Using your Phillips head bit and wooden screws, secure the four metal corner brackets around the hole, so they closely surround the steering tube.

• 5

  Wrap the three adjustable metal band clamps over the corner brackets and steering tube. Ensure that they are tightly wrapped and snug the nuts with your spanner wrench.

• 6

  Place the wheel to be trued onto the fork ends and secure with a skewer or appropriately sized nuts.