Abstract: An apparatus for mounting spokes between a hub and rim of a spoke wheel comprises a hub support for rotatably supporting the hub and rim support rollers for supporting the rim concentrically around its axis. Motor driven rim rollers cause the rim to rotate about its axis. At least one rotatably driven, substantially radially directed screw driver is arranged for screwing nipples onto corresponding spokes through nipple holes in the rim. A CCD-camera and a measuring wheel are positioned near the screw driver for determining the position of the nipple holes in the rim. Control means serve to control the drive means for successively positioning nipple holes in front of the screw driver. The rim rollers for driving the rim are arranged at a small distance from the screw driver so as to minimize the disturbing movements of the rim at the position of the screw driver.

Abstract: In a method of straightening a rim of a spoke wheel by tensioning and/or releasing the various spokes and measuring a radial and/or axial misalignment of the rim around the circumference thereof, all spokes are tensioned in a first run such that the tension therein is brought between a predetermined minimum and maximum value. If required, several runs take place and in each following run, based on the measured radial and/or axial misalignment of the rim, the tension in certain spokes is altered between said minimum and maximum value to correct the misalignment, such that the maximum value is increased at the start of each following run. An apparatus for carrying out this method is also disclosed.