Lacing An Electric Hub Bike Wheel: A Step-By-Step Guide

Lacing an electric hub bike wheel is a process that can be done by a less experienced bike mechanic. It involves disassembling the motor and replacing the part with the magnets, spokes and rim with one from an identical brand motor. This can be done by swapping rotors, or by buying a melted motor cheaply and using the parts. Once the hub motor wheel is put in service, spoke adjustments will need to be made in the first few hundred miles.

Disassembling the motor with a bent rim

Once you have the replacement parts, you can begin to disassemble the motor. First, you will need to remove the old rim. This may require some force, as the rim may be bent or damaged. Be careful not to damage the other components of the motor during this process.

Next, you will need to remove the old spokes. Again, this may require some force, as the spokes may be rusted or damaged. It is important to be careful during this step, as the spokes are sharp and can cause injury.

Once the old spokes are removed, you can begin to install the new spokes. Make sure to measure the length of the spokes before installation, as they may need to be trimmed to the correct length. You can use an online spoke calculator to get the correct length, or you can input the raw data if your motor is not listed.

Finally, you can install the new rim. Make sure that the rim is aligned correctly and that all the spokes are tightened securely. Once the rim is installed, you can test the wheel to ensure that it is functioning properly.

Replacing the part with the magnets, spokes and rim

To replace the part with the magnets, spokes and rim, you will need to disassemble the motor with a bent rim. You can then replace this part with one from an identical brand motor. You can find a replacement part by melting a hub motor you already have, or by finding a cheap melted motor for sale.

When replacing the part, you will need to add the length of the two nipples to get your ERD. You can use an online spoke calculator to get the right length, such as the one by Grin Cyclery. The China laced-hub motor wheel typically comes with a 12-gauge spoke, but higher-quality spokes in the normal bike gauge may be stronger.

Once the hub motor wheel is put in service, you will need to make some spoke adjustments in the first few hundred miles. You can leave the zip tie in place for later use by rotating it out of the way, and then rotating it back when you need to adjust the wheel. A newly laced wheel will need some adjustments to the spoke tension after the first 50 miles or so. If the wheel makes a lot of creaky noises on the first ride, snug up every spoke ¼ turn and try again.

Adjusting spoke tension

To adjust spoke tension, you can use a spoke calculator to get the correct length. Grin Cyclery has a spoke calculator that has some common motor types built in, or you can input raw data if the motor you are using is not on the list. Once you have the correct length, you can adjust the spoke tension accordingly.

It is important to note that the spoke tension should be set just a little on the loose side. This will help to ensure that the wheel is not too tight and will allow for some flexibility.

Additionally, it is recommended to leave the zip tie in place for later use. Simply rotate it out of the way and rotate it back when you need to adjust the wheel. This will make it easier to make adjustments to the spoke tension as needed.

Using a spoke calculator

Grin Tech has a spoke calculator that can be used to get the length of the spokes. It shows the wheel and calculates the spoke angle. The calculator has some common motor types built in, or you can input raw data if the motor you are using is not on the list.

To use the calculator, first add the length of the two nipples. That is your ERD. Repeat the measurement a few times, in case the rim is slightly out of round. If you are using a third-party rim, you can usually look up the ERD and offset specifications from the manufacturer or measure them yourself.

There are other online spoke calculators available, but the Grin Tech calculator is probably the most useful.

Swapping rotors

Before you start, make sure you have the right length spokes for your wheel. You can use an online spoke calculator to get the correct length. The China laced-hub motor wheel typically comes with a 12-gauge spoke, but higher-quality spokes in the normal bike gauge may be stronger than cheap, low-quality 12-gauge spokes.

Once you have the correct length spokes, you can start to assemble the wheel. First, add the length of the two nipples. This is your ERD. Make sure you measure a few times, in case the rim is slightly out of round.

After the wheel is put in service, you will need to make some spoke adjustments in the first few hundred miles. You can leave the zip tie in place and rotate it out of the way, then rotate it back when you need to adjust the wheel. A newly laced wheel will need some adjustments to the spoke tension after the first 50 miles or so. If the wheel makes a lot of creaky noises on the first ride, snug up every spoke ¼ turn and try again.

Frequently asked questions