Kerékfelhúzás

Kerékfelhúzás, a Hungarian term, translates to "wheel pulling" or "wheel stretching" in English and refers to a specific process within the context of wheel building and repair, particularly for bicycles. It describes the technique used to tension spokes evenly around a wheel's rim. This is a crucial step to ensure the wheel is strong, rides true, and can withstand riding forces.

The process involves systematically tightening or loosening the nipples, which are the small nuts that connect the spokes to the rim. A spoke wrench is used to adjust these nipples. The goal is to achieve uniform tension across all spokes. Uneven tension can lead to a wheel that is not round or straight (out of true), is prone to spoke breakage, or has reduced structural integrity.

Professional wheel builders use specialized tension meters to measure the exact tension of each spoke and ensure it falls within a recommended range for the rim, spokes, and intended use. This meticulous approach is what differentiates a well-built wheel from one that is hastily assembled. In essence, kerékfelhúzás is the art and science of distributing stress evenly throughout the wheel's structure, transforming individual components into a cohesive and durable unit. It is a fundamental skill for anyone involved in bicycle mechanics and custom wheel building.