Bicycle Mechanic how-to

How to True a Bicycle Wheel

True wheels ride smoothly.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

True wheels ride smoothly. In short: mount; find; tighten, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Mount the wheel in a truing stand.

  2. Find the wobble.

  3. Tighten spokes on the opposite side.

  4. Loosen spokes on the near side.

  5. Make small turns.

  6. Check tension.

Safety reminders for bicycle mechanics

  • Use torque specs
  • Handle e-bike batteries carefully
  • Test ride repairs
  • Wear eye protection

Derailleur · Cassette · Chainring · Truing · Spoke tension · Bottom bracket: see the full bicycle mechanic glossary.

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