Bike Wheel Service
Pedal Passion, Brisbane's Premier Destination for Custom Built Bikes and Value-Added Servicing
Wheel Tensioning and Truing
Wheel truing may appear to have a straightforward objective simple objective – no wobble, no hopping and most importantly, properly tensioned. To achieve this level of precision requires extensive technical knowledge and experience.
It is not uncommon for wheels to arrive in our workshop looking visually true, yet exhibiting tension variations of 30–50%, or in more severe cases, an entire side of the wheel with almost no meaningful tension at all.
Tension First
That is why our service name is wheel tensioning and truing but not the other way around.
Proper wheel truing relies on every spoke working in unison (communicating to each other), which is why accurate and even tensioning is just as critical as achieving perfect alignment.
Unfortunately, many wheels are adjusted solely for visual trueness, with little regard for the underlying structural integrity, resulting in poor riding experience, durability and recurring issues.
Power, Stability, Performance
Every wheel that comes in for our truing service undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, including lateral and vertical alignment, proper dishing, and a full spoke‑tension assessment.
We then make precise adjustments to ensure optimal tension balance, maximising power transfer, stability, and long‑term durability.
What Riders Ask
How do I know if my wheels need truing before they become a safety issue?
Wheel trueness is one of those maintenance items that often gets overlooked until problems become obvious, but catching wheel issues early prevents more serious problems and extends wheel life. Understanding the signs that wheels need attention helps you address issues before they become safety concerns or cause expensive damage.
Wheel truing addresses two related but distinct aspects: lateral trueness (side-to-side alignment) and radial trueness (roundness). Both affect performance and safety, though lateral issues typically become apparent sooner and are more common. Proper wheel tension is also critical - wheels can be true but still need attention if tension is incorrect.
Early Signs Wheels Need Attention
Subtle Performance Changes:
- Brakes rub slightly at one point in wheel rotation
- Bike feels less stable at high speeds
- Slight wobble or vibration, particularly at speed
- Wheels don't spin as freely as they used to
Visual Indicators:
- Wheel appears slightly out of true when spinning in stand
- Brake pad wear is uneven
- Tyre doesn't sit centred in frame/fork
- Visible wobble when looking at wheel from behind
Auditory/Tactile Clues:
- Rhythmic rubbing sound from brakes
- Slight pulsing through brake lever
- Vibration felt through handlebars or seat
- Clicking or ticking from wheel area
Progressive Signs (Needs Immediate Attention)
Obvious Trueness Issues:
- Significant visible wobble in wheel (2mm+ lateral deviation)
- Brake rubs constantly or severely at one point
- Wheel hops noticeably (radial issues)
- Tyre contacts frame or fork at one point
Tension Problems:
- Spokes feel loose or have noticeable play
- Broken or missing spokes
- Spokes make pinging sounds when load is applied
- Wheel feels "flexy" or imprecise when cornering
Safety Concerns (Immediate Service Required):
- Wheel wobbles severely enough to affect control
- Multiple broken spokes
- Rim is visibly damaged or cracked
- Wheel makes unusual sounds under load
How to self-test your wheel condition?
Visual Inspection:
- Lift bike and spin wheels while watching for wobble
- Look at wheel from behind and from side
- Check for broken or damaged spokes
- Inspect rim for damage or cracks
Brake Rub Test:
- With bike in stand, spin wheels
- Adjust brake pads close to rim
- Note where brake rub occurs, if at all
- Consistent gap indicates true wheel
Spoke Tension Check:
- Pluck spokes—they should have similar tone
- Check for loose spokes by squeezing pairs together
- Use spoke tension meter for precise measurement
- Compare tension to manufacturer specifications
Ride Feel Assessment:
- Note any instability at speed
- Feel for vibration through contact points
- Test cornering stability
- Pay attention to braking consistency