I Built My Own BMX Wheels — Here’s What I Learned | Reklamation DNE Build – Part 2

Welcome back to The Nostalgic Neighborhood! In Part 2 of my Reklamation DNE flatland BMX build, we’re tackling one of the most important—and often intimidating—parts of any bike build: the wheels.
This isn't a step-by-step tutorial, but I’ll walk you through the parts I chose, the tools I used (on a budget), and the learning curve of lacing and truing a wheel for the first time. Whether you’re restoring an old school BMX or building something fresh, I hope this gives you the confidence (and a few handy resources) to give it a try yourself! 🙌

🛠️ Tools & parts covered:
• Sun Envy rims
• Far East Cycles hubs
• USA Spokes (double-butted spokes + nipples)
• Deco rim strips
• Budget truing stand, nipple driver, spoke tension gauge & more

🧠 Helpful resource shoutout:
The Park Tool "How to Build Bicycle Wheels" video series is the real MVP if you're learning to build wheels.

✉️ Want to send something:
Mailing (USPS): The Nostalgic Neighborhood, PO Box 51, Cottleville, MO 63338-9998
Packages (UPS/FedEx/USPS): The Nostalgic Neighborhood (Attn: Matt), 5323 Highway N #51, Cottleville, MO 63338-9998

👇 Chapters
0:00 – Reklamation DNE Build: Part 2
0:10 – Why wheel building matters
0:41 – Wheel components overview
1:08 – Tools I used (on a budget)
2:39 – How I learned to build wheels
3:40 – Lacing the spokes (three-cross pattern)
4:25 – Getting the initial tension
5:41 – Dishing the wheel without a dishing tool
6:58 – Final truing & tension
8:22 – Rear wheel tips (freecoaster adjustments)
9:33 – Final thoughts & what’s next in Part 3

💬 Let me know in the comments if you've ever built your own wheels—or if you're tempted to give it a shot after watching this!

🔧 Part 1: Watch the DNE Frame Intro & Interview    • The Ultimate Flatland BMX Frame? | Dave No...  
🚲 Part 3 coming soon: full bike build & ride!