Radaufbau

Radaufbau is a German term that translates to "wheel construction" or "wheel assembly" in English. It refers to the process of building or assembling a bicycle wheel. This typically involves lacing spokes between the hub, which contains the bearings and axle, and the rim, which holds the tire. The tension of these spokes is crucial for the wheel's strength, trueness, and overall performance.

The components of a typical Radaufbau include the hub, spokes, nipples, and rim. The hub is the central part of the wheel that rotates around the axle. Spokes are thin metal rods that connect the hub to the rim, transferring forces from the hub to the rim and vice versa. Nipples are small nuts that screw onto the ends of the spokes and attach to the rim, allowing for precise tension adjustment. The rim is the outer circular component that the tire is mounted onto.

The process of Radaufbau requires specialized tools, such as a spoke wrench for adjusting nipple tension and a truing stand to ensure the wheel is round and runs straight. Proper spoke tension is vital; too little tension can lead to a weak and wobbly wheel, while too much can stress the components and potentially cause failure. Skilled wheel builders can create wheels that are both durable and lightweight, tailored to specific riding disciplines. This can range from strong wheels for mountain biking to aerodynamic wheels for road racing.