Minor Wheel Truing

Step-by-Step Summary

1. Setup: Flip bike upside down or put in stand. Attach a zip tie to the frame/fork so the tip just barely touches the rim.
2. Locate Wobble: Spin wheel. Mark the area where the rim rubs the zip tie (the "high spot").
3. Understand Tension: To pull the rim away from the zip tie (Right side), you need to TIGHTEN spokes on the Left side (or loosen Right side).
4. Small Adjustments: Tighten spokes in the wobble zone by 1/4 turn only.
5. Check Radial: Ensure the wheel is also round (not hopping up and down). Truing lateral hops often creates radial hops if you aren't careful.
6. Stress Relieve: Squeeze parallel spokes together to unwind any spoke twist.
7. Stop Early: If it's "good enough" to clear the brakes/frame, stop. Chasing perfection often ruins a wheel if you don't have a tension meter.

[!WARNING] It is very easy to make a wheel worse. If you are unsure which way to turn the nipple, take it to a shop. Spoke tension is critical for safety.