Custom Wheels
J.Wag-Approved Custom hand-built wheels
There is no finer way to enhance your bicycle than the addition of a properly hand-built wheel. Selecting materials based on the intended user allows for ultimate customization and maximum performance. My build process ensures a strong wheel that will stand for years to come, thanks to expert care and the finest tooling available.
Here are some of the things that happen during my wheelbuilding process:
- Hubs, rims, spokes and nipples selected based on rider and terrain
- Spokes lengths hand-calculated with Sutherland's Precision ERD system
- Spokes custom cut on my Phil Wood Spoke Machine
- Spoke threads cleaned and prepped with Wheelsmith Spoke Prep or Linseed Oil
- Rim spoke holes reamed where applicable (non-eyeletted)
- Hand-laced to appropriate pattern
- Hand-trued with dial indicator for roundness
- Hand-tensioned and checked with DT Tensio
- Several techniques and rounds of pre-stressing performed
- Precisely centered with Efficient Velo Tools Trigger Dish Guage
- Tubeless setup performed when applicable (approved methods only)
- Final tension check at full inflation pressure
As you can see it is a lengthy process, but yields a great result. A well-designed, more evenly built and properly stressed wheel will stay true and last longer than anything built by a machine. I average about 100 wheels per year and love taking on custom projects (in 2011 I counted 115 custom builds!) All of our mechanics are capable of producing quality handbuilt wheels, but I tend to spec and build most of them.
My build labor is $70 per wheel, with tubeless setup done complimentary when applicable. This fee reflects 1:45 of time at the shop rate of $40/hr. I always offer free follow-up care as needed, inlcuding the first hub overhaul service or pre-build service on a used hub. A handbuilt wheel from me is an investment in your bike that you will not regret.
I am happy to talk about wheels and write up quotes for any combination. Turnaround for a custom wheel is about 5-10 days depending on parts availability. I deal with many excellent wheel component manufacturers and can cover any style of riding imaginable from racing bikes to tandems.
I prefer to build with rims from these companies for following reasons:
Velocity - Excellent products and customer service...offest...tons of colors, sizes, widths and drillings
Salsa – The Delgado Cross is personal go-to-favorite.
DT Swiss Industry standard road, mountain and touring rims with eyelets.
WTB - I stock the 29" Speed Disc AM - a great choice for rocky terrain
Bontrager – Made in USA...Offset...eyeleted....great tubeless system
Stan's NoTubes – Quick & easy tubeless...a few widths for different riders...lightweight & strong. My personal favorite is the Flow.
Sun Ringle – The Rhynolite always has a place in our shop.
For hubs, I have access to a wide variety including White Industries, DT Swiss, Chris King, Hope, Chub, Surly, Profile, All City, Dimension, Shimano, Camagnolo, SRAM, WTB and Rohloff. I am partial to the first four and can build with a supplied hub as well.
I stock DT Swiss and Wheelsmith spokes and nipples, Velox rim tape, and Stan's NoTubes sealant.
Tyres from Continental, Bontrager, Schwalbe, WTB, Maxxis and Kenda are always in stock. Many others can easily be special ordered.
Inquiries in person or via email are welcomed.
-J.Wag
