Each nipple will just fit through the rim if the

are correct. Each nipple will just fit through the rim. If the
angle is too much or not enough, it will cause the spoke to
bend when tightened.
Lacing Spoke Wheels
Installing spokes in a wheel is called lacing. Remember the
following tips when lacing spoke wheels:
• Be sure the spoke length is correct. In some cases,
different-length spokes are used on the same wheel.
• Be sure the angle of the nipple hole in the rim is correct.
• Be sure the head angle of the spoke is correct.
• Don’t tighten any spoke until all spokes are installed.

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Brakes, Wheel Assemblies, and Tires
39
Place the first spoke through the rim at the nipple hole
nearest to the valve stem hole. The first spoke must go
through the left side of the rim. Moving around the wheel in
the direction of rotation, connect each spoke into each fourth
empty hole on both 36-hole and 40-hole wheels. Connect all
the nipples on the left side of the rim. Turn the wheel over
and repeat the procedure for the right side. When this is
complete, you’ll have positioned all the inner spokes.
Next, position the outer spokes on one side; then, turn the
rim over and position the outer spokes on the other side. Be
sure that all inner spokes on both sides of the wheel are in
place before you insert any of the outer spokes.
When all spokes are installed in a 36-hole wheel, each outer
spoke will cross three spokes. In a 40-hole wheel, each of
the outer spokes will cross four other spokes, as seen in
Figure 41.
After you’ve completed lacing the wheel, you should have one
set of spokes running in the direction of wheel rotation on
each side of the wheel.
FIGURE 41—This illustra-
tion shows a 40-spoke
wheel. Note that each of
the outer spokes crosses
four other spokes.

Brakes, Wheel Assemblies, and Tires
40
If you’re replacing the rim of a damaged wheel, mark the hub
for spoke direction before removing the rim from the spokes.