Son dynamo wheel build for the tour divide & bikepacking: Best tips and tricks

[@gregknipe8772]

for those looking to breath new life into that 10-12 year old bike, having your LBS build you a set of dream wheels is the best way to get that *new bike feel*.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Truth!

[@ScrubsIsee]

Sensationall tutorial. You mentioned everything important. Thank you.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching 🙏

[@JDAvant06]

Wow Alan! I've built a few pairs of wheels myself and consider myself a proficient hobbyist wheelbuilder but your attention to details is amazing. I learned a bunch watching this. This is gold! Thanks a bunch.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Wow, thanks!

[@alisdairs5437]

Great video. Well described. Way above my pay grade but good to know what the experts do.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnlesoudeur3653]

When I built one wheel with a Shimano DH-UR700-3D using an anti-seize for the spoke threads, after 2 or 3 months i noticed that the spokes were coming loose. I put it down to sympathetic vibrations inherent in the hub (nothing wrong with the hub but with this model I could feel the slight "bump" emphasised when passing over the magnets) I rebuilt it with medium strength Loctite and it has been fine ever since. I had built many wheels with other dynamo hubs and this was the first time for this to happen.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Thanks for sharing 🤙

[@Johnwis-gp9yy]

Great video. Park Tool CSH-1 is one tool you need. Great for aero spokes or CX Ray’s.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Thanks for mentioning :) Yes, I use bladed spoke holder on aero spokes 🤙- but on round, I like using my bare hand to feel spoke twist - ride on!

[@dominicstockton7102]

Some nice tips and processes there man, thank you. Built my own Son dyno wheels for my transcontinental race attempt a few years ago and they were sweet for thousands of kilometres, it was only after about 10,000k when I noticed I had one single front spoke laced wrong, but by then the training and the race were long done and dusted 😂

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Thanks for watching and sharing :) Ride on!

[@dodginglions5163]

Outstanding video!…thanks for posting this for us!…😎

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@philipcaldwell3187]

You had me at SQUORX !!

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Love it 😂!

[@CentristRN]

Nice content. Do you have a video setting up/wiring your dynamo charger lights system?

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

No I haven’t done a video like that- but sounds like a good idea- I’ll add it to the list :)

[@stevek517]

Appreciate all the detail for coordinating component specs. If you're not tied to a specific rim brand just find an online store that sells ready-made dyanamo wheels and copy their specs. The rest is easy.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Thanks for watching and commenting :) ride on!

[@ellerybice3787]

4 All that you do, thank you.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Thank you!! 🙏

[@Ignash]

This video just proves that if you don't want to build your own wheels it is probably cheaper just to get a wheel with dynamo already installed.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Depends… if you’re paying someone to custom build a wheel for you it can get costly- but in general, yes- a “pre-built wheel” is usually gonna be cheaper than custom

[@Johnwis-gp9yy]

Lacing You own wheels is so calming and rewarding. You can not put a price on that.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

@@Johnwis-gp9yy 100% great point :)

[@Ignash]

@@Johnwis-gp9yy Yeah, maybe if I'll have ever buy a house where I can have my own space, currently living in 30sqm apartment with two bikes already takes quite a lot of space haha

[@kevinselin2288]

awesome video! Quick question. So my one and only ride has a dynamo hub. In an ideal world, would you have a dedicated set of wheels so as not to use your dynamo as a daily trainer as well as adventure bike? I don’t know the average useful life of a Son Dynamo.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

They have a pretty long life, but I personally save my dynamo wheel for big adventures and use a non-dynamo front wheel for my day to day… ride on!

[@waisinglee1509]

Fantastic overview; yes, I can build my own but I hate being blamed for problems. ;)

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

😂😂

[@stevenwilliams7845]

Good stuff

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Thanks !!

[@outtatrex]

Mexico or Bust !!! LFG ! (Thanks, this was a great overview of the whole process, cheers!)

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Glad you enjoyed it! Ride on :)

[@jc10747]

Where did you get that nice diagram of internal width/tire width, at the 2:12 point? Schwalbe has a chart, but it’s not clear and doesn’t show the balloon shape of the tire if it doesn’t match the internal width. Thx.

[@christopherhood9241]

awesome video.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Thanks!!

[@matthewhall554]

Allen, stumbled on your channel, really enjoying going through your library, great content and insights. Currently, training to cycle around Lake Okeechobee in Florida. My question is what was is applicator you had on top of the Phil’s lubricant? A screw on syringe?

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Yep - just a precision needle tip that screws on to bottles… thanks for watching and commenting :) ride on!

[@matthewhall554]

Allen, I ordered what looked like the same from Amazon. But the diameter was too small to screw on to the Phil’s bottle. Can share the item number, so I can get the right ones? Thanks, it’s a great idea for applying oil in a very precise area.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

@@matthewhall554 I'm using this one I got from SCC slick that sell for their chain lube: scctech.bike/products/slick-precision-needle-applicator-with-2-gauge-options-included

[@matthewhall554]

Thanks Allen, the link worked and I ordered the entire kit

[@Bush-Media]

Great video and timing I’m about to have wheel-set with Son hub built for SRMR 32 hole carbon what gauge spokes would you go with for Clydesdale.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

32 hole with standard double butted spokes 2.0 / 1.8 should be just fine … it’s more about the rim for weight limits… so check with them too, but should be good 🤙

[@b4oh]

😮😮 Great video 😮😮

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Thanks 😁

[@sylv_ain]

my salsa came with a PD8 and I was pretty excited. Sadly, I havent been on tour long enough to really use it. 3 or 4 days isn't really enough to justify building a wheel with IMO

[@Lolwutfordawin]

A dynamo hub is one of the greatest upgrades you can make for a daily rider bike. Not having to think about lights ever again is amazing. They just work, any time, any weather.

[@ianwilde1800]

iv never used alloy nipples before i recently made set wheels they fine iv always been the guy that said no no no need brass but proper preparation is all it takes and the red galvanized nipples came our really nice dt swis rims dt swis black spokes red nipple

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Thanks for sharing 🤙 ride on!

[@davidalderson7761]

I use the exact dynamo and Klite too. I do off Road in UK but mostly 3000km and about to do 8000km in Europe off road. THE BONUS is your power requirements drop a lot on very long ride. Yep I carry EXPOSURE lights but I don’t need them except in emergency or as extra blinkies when on a road and the car are bad ( UK ). The night time light is enough but could drop off to zero if you’re moving at 0.something KPH. I only use my normal wheels rarely now and just for day time training. Build ? Who knows the shop built them.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Thanks for sharing 🤙

[@jc10747]

Has anyone figured out how to change the bearings in SP hubs without sending them back to Taiwan? Similarly with newer SON.

[@richwatts8824]

You do not need expensive tools for wheelbuilding. The first few pairs of wheels, I built in the dropouts themselves. Radial and lateral trueness gauges were zip ties attached to the stays, fork crown etc. Later on I built a wheel truing stand with not much more than a few bits of plywood. These sponsored guys are bound to tell you to invest in the best. If you run a shop, fine, but privateers and enthusiasts, save yourself the money with a little effort and the finished product will be so much more rewarding.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Thanks for watching and commenting 🤙

[@hoser7706]

And if you got this and can execute flawlessly, Nasa wants to chat with you…. there is a Mars rocket to be built…😬. I built some wheels in the 80s/90s but not since. And I don’t recall details like this but do recall worshipping good wheel builders. 👏🙇. But a nipple sorter!? Wow! Impressive. Are you taking orders? Sincerely…

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

😂😂 thanks for watching and commenting!

[@JogBird]

the hub generates 6 volts at 0.5 amps, only when youre moving.. i mean might as just use a battery pack and quick charge when youre at a power outlet.. if youre in a remote location with no power outlet for weeks on end, then a solar panel would be better

[@Ignash]

The pro of the Dynamo is that it charges while moving, so you don't need to stop somewhere and will charge doesn't matter weather conditions, plus the ability to run a bicycle light off of it without needing to charge it is a big pro too. But for me and many others it is a overkill and simple battery bank and battery powered lights will do the trick.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Thanks for sharing :)

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

@lgnash thanks for sharing your insight 🤙 ride on !

[@ianwilde1800]

you don't actually need dishing tool i just flip wheel in truing stand its time consuming but saves buying dishing tool but when you used to it its pretty quick i have little bike store making wheels i like to do relax and just build once you know what you doing its realy relaxing sit in comfy chair and take time im buy now way a pro but i do enjoy building wheels

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Thanks for sharing :)

[@coreyreeder3549]

One observation: I should banish the thought of building my own wheels anytime soon. One question: since I’ve watched hours of your videos, can I call myself one of your “clients?”

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

😂😂 you crack me up!! Thanks for making my day 🤙

[@davidalderson7761]

Translation “Any who” ( American English ) “Any how” ( English English )

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Anyhoo - Alan slang 😂

[@ellerybice3787]

🚴🏼🚴🏼🚴🏼🫡

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Back at ya!

[@davidalderson7761]

I use the exact dynamo and Klite too. I do off Road in UK but mostly 3000km and about to do 8000km in Europe off road. THE BONUS is your power requirements drop a lot on very long ride. Yep I carry EXPOSURE lights but I don’t need them except in emergency or as extra blinkies when on a road and the car are bad ( UK ). The night time light is enough but could drop off to zero if you’re moving at 0.something KPH. I only use my normal wheels rarely now and just for day time training. Build ? Who knows the shop built them.

[@DirtyTeethMTB]

Thanks for sharing 🤙