HOW WE BUILD RELIABLE FAST WHEELS
Every wheel is built to rider specifics
intent of use: Crit-racing, Climbing, TT, Grandfondo, Gravel or MTB
Enhanced Rider skills: Sprinter, Climber
After assessment we make a recommendation on hub type, spokes and nipples
Also spoke tension and type is considered to "tune" the wheel to enhance performance for a given activity
intent of use: Crit-racing, Climbing, TT, Grandfondo, Gravel or MTB
Enhanced Rider skills: Sprinter, Climber
After assessment we make a recommendation on hub type, spokes and nipples
Also spoke tension and type is considered to "tune" the wheel to enhance performance for a given activity
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Wheelset
Rim Material
Much of the strength, durability, and ride feel of a wheelset is determined by the material, construction, and technologies built into the rim itself. Carbon fiber rims are typically regarded as the highest performing, as carbon can be tuned to achieve different goals and ride qualities, whereas alloy cannot. Carbon Fiber can be laid up in different orientations, thicknesses, and laminates to create specific wheel properties for a specific discipline.
Spokes
The number of spokes used in a wheel build can give you a ballpark for its strength and properties. Lighter mountain wheels will typically run 24-28 spokes per wheel, a stronger trail or all-mountain wheel will likely use 28, and the burliest of wheel systems generally use 32 spokes. These aren’t hard-and-fast numbers, but generally, more spokes mean stronger and stiffer.
The spokes themselves also determine the feel of a wheel, with heavier spokes creating a stiffer, but stronger wheel, and lighter spokes doing the opposite. The Sapim CX-Ray, for example, is a good all-around spoke for its strength-to-weight ratio and is widely used in our wheel builds. The Sapim Force is a stronger and stiffer spoke and is used for E-MTB and gravity-oriented wheel builds.
Hubs
Hubs will alter the feel, sound, quickness, and weight of a wheel. Quick-engaging hubs accelerate faster and make awkward balancing moments easier, like when climbing slippery technical sections. This can make a great bike perform even better.
Hubs should be reliable and last for a long time without requiring major service. They should also be easily serviced, as complicated maintenance procedures will take away from your riding time. We find the hubs we make in-house, and those from our hub partners provide the best balance of performance, reliability, and serviceability.
Hub spacing refers to the width of the dropouts inside a frame and fork, which should be confirmed with your frame and fork manufacturers.
- Rim Material
- Number of Spokes Per Wheel
- Spoke Type
- Hub Type and Spacing
- Your Bike and Riding Style
Rim Material
Much of the strength, durability, and ride feel of a wheelset is determined by the material, construction, and technologies built into the rim itself. Carbon fiber rims are typically regarded as the highest performing, as carbon can be tuned to achieve different goals and ride qualities, whereas alloy cannot. Carbon Fiber can be laid up in different orientations, thicknesses, and laminates to create specific wheel properties for a specific discipline.
Spokes
The number of spokes used in a wheel build can give you a ballpark for its strength and properties. Lighter mountain wheels will typically run 24-28 spokes per wheel, a stronger trail or all-mountain wheel will likely use 28, and the burliest of wheel systems generally use 32 spokes. These aren’t hard-and-fast numbers, but generally, more spokes mean stronger and stiffer.
The spokes themselves also determine the feel of a wheel, with heavier spokes creating a stiffer, but stronger wheel, and lighter spokes doing the opposite. The Sapim CX-Ray, for example, is a good all-around spoke for its strength-to-weight ratio and is widely used in our wheel builds. The Sapim Force is a stronger and stiffer spoke and is used for E-MTB and gravity-oriented wheel builds.
Hubs
Hubs will alter the feel, sound, quickness, and weight of a wheel. Quick-engaging hubs accelerate faster and make awkward balancing moments easier, like when climbing slippery technical sections. This can make a great bike perform even better.
Hubs should be reliable and last for a long time without requiring major service. They should also be easily serviced, as complicated maintenance procedures will take away from your riding time. We find the hubs we make in-house, and those from our hub partners provide the best balance of performance, reliability, and serviceability.
Hub spacing refers to the width of the dropouts inside a frame and fork, which should be confirmed with your frame and fork manufacturers.
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Advantages of a custom build, selection of well-known components:
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Our custom classic way of wheel building process goes thru a variety of steps to ensure top quality, reliability and performance on every build we do.
A final road test is performed if necessary before they ship to you to assure quality and consistency. |
Available Options:
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Spoke Options
SAPIM Made in Belgium Race (double butted 1.8) D-Light (double butted 1.6) CX-Ray (bladed 1.6) CX-Sprint (bladed 1.8) ALPINA Made in Italy Basiclite Aero PILLAR Made in Taiwan Triple Butted Spokes (MTB/Gravel) 2.2x1.7x2.0 / 2.2x1.6x2.0) Pillar TPB2017 / Pillar TPB2016 Spokes and Nipples available in color |
Hub Options
Scorpion Road SR261 258g CL Straight Pull - DT 45T Ratchet 24/24 hole Scorpion MTB SM300 303g CL Straight Pull - DT 54T Ratchet 28/28 hole Scorpion MTB JR342 330g. CL J bend - DT 54T Ratchet 28/28 - 32/32 hole Industry Nine - Torch - Hydra Nipples: Sapim Polyax Secure Lock QuadDrive Brass (black, Silver) Alloy in color |
COLOR SPOKES
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We use SAPIM nipples made in Belgium
for a good reason
SCORPION CARBON SPOKES
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Visit our Gallery for some examples of our custom wheel building.
