How to true up buckled wheels?

dan1983

I'm wanting to fix up my old '97 GT Timberline, partly for a little project, partly to get it looking good again, but mainly to give the mrs something to ride (and we can't afford to buy her a new bike at the moment).

The problem is it's been sat in the shed for around 6 years!

Task one is to try and unbuckle the wheels. Both of them are pretty bad. I've read in the Zinn Manual how to do it, but what I'm wondering is, is it reasonably easy for a novice to do?

I'm wanting / needing to spend as little as possible so need to try to restore rather than replace (and any replacements will be taken off my bike when I upgrade! )

stevieboy

Have a read up on Park Tools website and the net in general. Trueing wheels is relatively easy compared to building them and can be done with very good results providing you take your time and know what adjustments do what.

dan1983

The wheels appear to be buckled in an oval shape way rather than side to side (if that makes sense??). Is it still possible to true them up if that's the case?

EDIT: I've just looked and it's called "Radial True" so is possible.

I'll give it a go. Cheers.

stevieboy

When you play with radial trueing just keep an eye on lateral - it soon creeps.

dan1983

Will do, cheers for the advice. The Park Tools web site looks really useful.

My mate says he knows how to do it, but I want to try myself first. And if I fail (which is likely) I'll ask him to do it!