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wheelbuilder_sa

I hate that most new bikes come fitted with astoni I hate that most new bikes come fitted with astonishingly poor wheels.

It's so that the manufacturer can hit a price point, but heavy, sluggish wheels compromise your riding experience.

I hand-build custom bicycle wheels for riders that refuse to accept that their wheels are the limiting factor in their riding experience.

Every wheel I build uses high quality components, and is assembled with an obsessive level of attention to detail. Every spoke is tensioned with precision. 

All builds start with a conversation. I need to know what bike you ride, where and how you ride, and what kind of rider you are.

You could be a racer that needs ultralight wheels, but wheels that won't buckle at the first sign of a rock garden.

Perhaps you're an ultra-distance cyclist who rides with a heavy load and needs wheels that won't skip a beat on a 5000km adventure. 

Or you ride an e-bike, or are a gravel racer or simply want to enjoy the trails with your mates.

Your wheels should never interfere with your experience. They should enhance it.

Each wheel I build comes with a lifetime workmanship warranty. Your spokes too, because although the odd spoke does break, it shouldn't be unpleasant to fix.

Your wheels are involved in driving your bike, stopping it and connecting you to the road or trail. They're the one component that needs to work, and work flawlessly.

This is why Wheelbuilder exists, and why I've been building wheels by hand since 2015, and why I'll never stop.

#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheelsarebetter
If you’re ever on LinkedIn, go and follow our page If you’re ever on LinkedIn, go and follow our page. 
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If you want to. 
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Or not. Whatever. 🤣
It was time for a new logo, don’t you think? . #w It was time for a new logo, don’t you think? 
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#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheels
When I got the email asking if I could build a whe When I got the email asking if I could build a wheelset with pink hubs, I immediately knew what to suggest. 
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These @spankbikessa @spankbikes hubs will soon become the beating heart of a very special build. 
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Stay tuned. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #mtbwheels
1369g of carbon mountain bike wheel goodness. . T 1369g of carbon mountain bike wheel goodness. 
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These @oneupcomponents hubs are incredibly light for how solid they are, and as always, the @nextiebikes rims are millimeter-perfect. 
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To keep weight low, I laced these up with @pillarspokes bladed spokes and black brass nipples for durability. 
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These wheels will have an adventurous life. 
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Comment if you know why the rear wheel has a green valve. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #carbonwheels
OneUp make some awesome hubs, and when they’re lac OneUp make some awesome hubs, and when they’re laced to a set of carbon rims, they sound incredible. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #mtbwheels
I don’t get many of these requests anymore, but I’ I don’t get many of these requests anymore, but I’m happy when I do. 
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Rim brake road bike wheels for a classic bike. 
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All-new tubeless-ready rims, shiny silver hubs, spokes and nipples. 
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Im@such a sucker for silver wheels. 
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What do you think? 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #rimbrakes
Let’s hear a classic style road hub. . Are you a Let’s hear a classic style road hub. 
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Are you a sucker for silver hubs like I am?
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#handbuiltwheels #riadbikewheels #rimbrakes
Something classic and rather traditional is coming Something classic and rather traditional is coming. 
I’ve always been a sucker for silver hubs…
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #roadbikewheels
Some people don’t care about how much their wheels Some people don’t care about how much their wheels weigh - they just want wheels they never have to worry about. 
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The rider who requested these wheels is just like that: hard on his equipment, incredibly strong and just wants to ride without worrying about his kit. 
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For this build I paired @hopetech Pro5 hubs with @spankbikes rims using double butted @pillarspokes 
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These wheels should outlast a few frames and end up becoming a family heirloom. 
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Are you most concerned about weight or reliability? 
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#handbuiltwheelsarebetter #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #mtbwheels
Centerlock… or 6-bolt? . Which is your favorite, Centerlock… or 6-bolt?

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Which is your favorite, and why? 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #mtbwheels
Another gorgeous set of carbon wheels came ro@life Another gorgeous set of carbon wheels came ro@life this weekend. 
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@endo_wheels hubs on @southindustries rims with bladed spokes. 
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I simply love my job. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder #carbonrims #mtbwheels
So these wheels came to life in the workshop this So these wheels came to life in the workshop this weekend. 
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1090g for the set. 
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30mm inner width @nextiebikes carbon rims. 
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@endo_wheels boost centerlock hubs. 
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Straightpull bladed @pillarspokes spokes. 
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Race-day light. 
Everyday durable. 
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Thoughts?

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#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheels #carbonwheels #nextie
The heart of my next build is a hub from @endo_whe The heart of my next build is a hub from @endo_wheels 
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Nagare means “flow” and that’s exactly what these next wheels will love doing: flowing down the trail. 
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Stay tuned for the glamour shots. 
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Oh, and soon you’ll be able to get these hubs for your very own wheels. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #endowheels
These hubs are definitely my favorite when it come These hubs are definitely my favorite when it comes to the freehub mechanism. 
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108 points of engagement is fast enough for anyone. 
Almost zero freehub friction. 
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Listen to that hub sing! 
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#handbuiltwheels #hopehubs #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding
The glamour shots. . @spankbikes rims on their gu The glamour shots. 
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@spankbikes rims on their gunmetal hubs. 
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Super sexy, no? 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder #mtbwheels
GUNMETAL . I’ve been commissioned to build a set o GUNMETAL
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I’ve been commissioned to build a set of wheels with Spank’s gunmetal colour hubs. 
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And I really like them. 
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They’re silvery and shiny, but not like chrome. 
Understated, yet classy. 
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There are 2 more sets of these hubs available in South Africa. 32h. Boost. With freehub of your choice. 
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Let me know if you want a set. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #mtbwheels
South Industries 29XC carbon rims laced to a set o South Industries 29XC carbon rims laced to a set of DT Swiss 350 hubs with light bladed Pillar spokes and black brass nipples. 
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This was the last set of 32h South Industries rims in existence. 
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#handbuiltwheels #handbuiltwheelsarebetter #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding
@southindustries closing down has left a gaping ho @southindustries closing down has left a gaping hole in the South African cycling industry. 
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Over the years I’ve used their carbon fiber rims to build simply incredible wheels for my customers. 
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Thank you South Industries for making great rims. You’ll be missed. 
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#handgemaak #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #carbonrims
ULTRALIGHT • XC • MTB . This wheelset came in arou ULTRALIGHT • XC • MTB
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This wheelset came in around 1100g - for a 30mm inner width set of 29er MTB wheels. 
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With steel spokes and brass nipples. 
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And it is rated for a max system weight of 140kg for XC riding. 
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Pretty and tough. 
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The combination of @nextiebikes rims and @endo_wheels hubs is sublime. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder #mtbwheels
Loud or quiet? How do you like your hubs? . #handb Loud or quiet?
How do you like your hubs?
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#handbuiltwheels #mtbwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding
GRAVEL GOODNESS . These came in 30g lighter than e GRAVEL GOODNESS
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These came in 30g lighter than expected, with tape and valves. 
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A very special set of gravel wheels that will really be ridden long and hard. 
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I can’t wait to hear about the adventures that these wheels will be taken on. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #gravelbike
Spank x South . Hex drive hubs on carbon rims. . Spank x South
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Hex drive hubs on carbon rims. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #mtbwheels
Based on the tried and tested ratchet freehub syst Based on the tried and tested ratchet freehub system, these @endo_wheels hubs are not just light and robust, but reliable and easy to maintain. 
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#handbuiltwheels #endowheels #wheelbuilding #mtbwheels
I had the privilege of building these wheels this I had the privilege of building these wheels this week. 
Spank 359 rims on Spank Hex Drive hubs. 
Laced with double butted spokes and black brass nipples. 
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Not only do these look good, but they’ll give the rider peace of mind to ride hard and not have to babysit his wheels. 
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And red is faster, no?
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #spankbikes #mtbwheels
There’s just something special about working with There’s just something special about working with amazing components and putting together wheels with my bare hands. 
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No machines involved. Every detail considered. 
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I love my job. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding
Please welcome the @endo_wheels Ibuki 45 gravel wh Please welcome the @endo_wheels Ibuki 45 gravel wheels. 
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45mm deep, 25mm inner width carbon rims and lightweight straightpull hubs weighing in at 1410g for the set. 
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Hand assembled and tensioned to perfection. 
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These will be a stock product option once Endō officially launches (soon) but you can order yours now. 
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Gorgeous, no?
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #endowheels #gravelwheels
Currently in the queue. . @spankbikes Hex hubs in Currently in the queue. 
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@spankbikes Hex hubs in straightpull and j-bend, @dtswiss 350s in boost J-Bend, @endo_wheels hubs for gravel and MTB and a set of @nextiebikes gravelbike hubs. 
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Let’s get to building! 
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Which would you choose for your bike?

#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheels
With South Industries closing down and clearing le With South Industries closing down and clearing leftover inventory, I managed to secure a few sets of rims and will be building some wheels with them. 
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Here is the first of those. A set of Enduro rims, built up to be durable and also not break the bank. 
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Would you ride these in your bike? 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuikding #handgemaak #enduro
Spank Hex Drive hubs sound wicked. . Would you ri Spank Hex Drive hubs sound wicked. 
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Would you ride these? 
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#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheels #mtbwheels
Customer asked for a strong but affordable wheel f Customer asked for a strong but affordable wheel for his e-bike. This is what I came up with. 
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Cure XC4 hub from @13industriessa laced to a @spankbikessa @spankbikes 359 rim from @karma.now with @pillarspokes double butted spokes. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #ebikewheels #wheelbuilding #mtbwheels
I’ll be having a busy day today. . #handbuiltwhee I’ll be having a busy day today. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder
This will be my first time assembling a set of whe This will be my first time assembling a set of wheels with the Spank straight pull hubs. 
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These are going in a set of carbon MTB wheels and I’m excited to see how they turn out! 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #mtbwheels #carbonwheels
Sad news came through last week that @southindustr Sad news came through last week that @southindustries is closing shop.

For almost 10 years I've been building wheels using their #handgemaak carbon rims - hand-made in Cape Town.

This is a massive loss to the South African cycling industry. Unfortunately this also means that riders with South Industries rims will not have warranty coverage past the end of this month.

There is however some inventory left - if you have a set of wheels and want to buy a spare rim.

Or if you've always dreamed of owning a set of South wheels, this is your very last chance - albeit without warranty support.

Their remaining inventory is being cleared at highly discounted prices, so if you're keen on getting your hands on some rims, or having a set of wheels built, get in touch with me ASAP before they're all gone.

There are limited XC, gravel and enduro rims left.

I wish the guys at South all the best for the future, and thanks for everything you've done for the local cycling industry.

#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #carbonrims
@spankbikessa hubs are easy to work on, high perfo @spankbikessa hubs are easy to work on, high performance, very reliable, and gorgeous!

They sound cool too. What do you think? Would you ride these pink hubs? 

#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheels #mtbwheels
A proper set of carbon MTB wheels have just left t A proper set of carbon MTB wheels have just left the building. 
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350g @nextiebikes Omega rims on @endo_wheels straightpull centerlock boost hubs with bladed spokes and black brass nipples. 
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These are raceday light but all-day trail strong. 
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What a privilege to be able to build these incredible wheels. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #mtbwheels
It’s been a while since I last built a #lefty whee It’s been a while since I last built a #lefty wheel. 
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This is a 24h hub and will be paired to a very light 45mm deep carbon rim for fast gravel racing. 
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Have you ever ridden a Lefty, and what do you like most about it?

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#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheels #carbonwheels
These new @ridefarr Supaflow valves are pretty nic These new @ridefarr Supaflow valves are pretty nice. 
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The oversized lock nuts make it easy to get a good seal, and they have a range of colours available. 
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They’re also tyre-insert compatible. 
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They’re always an option when you have me build your wheels. 
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What colour valves would you like on your bike? 
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#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #tubeless
Ever wondered what makes that noise inside your re Ever wondered what makes that noise inside your rear hub when you’re freewheeling? 
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Now you know. 

#bikes #wheelbuilder #ratchet
Let’s build a set of awesome wheels. . @nextiebik Let’s build a set of awesome wheels. 
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@nextiebikes rims on @endo_wheels hubs with @pillarspokes 
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#wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder #handbuiltwheels
In the latest article on the website, I explore wh In the latest article on the website, I explore which hubs you can buy in South Africa for your mountain bike that are available in RED.

From superlight straightpull hubs with ratchet-style freehub mechanisms to bomb-proof pawl-driven ones.

Read all about it on the website:

https://wheelbuilder.co.za/buyers-guide-red-hubs/ 

#wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder #mtbhubs #redhubs
They say red is faster. . All I know is that thes They say red is faster. 
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All I know is that these hubs are simply gorgeous. 
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These wheels are being handed over to their new owner tomorrow and I’ll be kinda sad to see them go. 
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Which hubs would you choose? Red or black?
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding
The photos speak for themselves. . Carbon @nextie The photos speak for themselves. 
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Carbon @nextiebikes rims that are light but strong. 
Deep red straightpull hubs. 
Red anodized nipples and bladed spokes. 
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Taped and valves and ready for a lifetime of adventure. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #carbonwheels
No sir, you didn’t break a spoke. . This is what No sir, you didn’t break a spoke. 
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This is what happens when your wheels are built with too-short spokes. 
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The heads of the nipples simply shear off. 
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Someone before me had built a wheel set with nice carbon rims and cheap, too-short plain gauge spokes and hoped for the best. 
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This is the outcome a year later. 
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It’s simply not worth saving a few bucks now and then having to do a full spoke replacement rebuild later. 
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Do it right first time. 
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Has this ever happened to you? 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #carbonwheels
The most popular wheelset that I build weighs just The most popular wheelset that I build weighs just 1150g and is perfect for XC mountain biking. 
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The wheels sport a generous 30mm inner width and the hubs are available in black, silver, red and gold. 
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Do your wheels need to go on diet?
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#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheels #mtbwheels
I’ve just finished up a pretty rad set of wheels. I’ve just finished up a pretty rad set of wheels. 
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Red @nextiebikes hubs, Superlight carbon Nextie rims and bladed spokes with red anodized nips. 
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Are you ready for the glamour shots? 
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I’m busy charging the camera battery, formatting the memory card, cleaning the lens and waiting for the rain to stop and the light to improve. 
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Stay tuned. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #carbonwheels
A wheel isn’t done until@spike tensions are balanc A wheel isn’t done until@spike tensions are balanced. 
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This is ultimately more important than trueness alone. 
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#wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder #handbuiltwheels
Lacing a straightpull hub is different to how I la Lacing a straightpull hub is different to how I lace a hub designed for j-bend spokes. 
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After lubricating the spoke threads, I rest the hub in a support, and slide every spoke through. 
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Attaching the rim is simply a case of inserting the nipples through the rim spoke holes and threading them onto the spokes. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbulding
R•I•M•B•R•A•K•E These robust wheels just finished R•I•M•B•R•A•K•E

These robust wheels just finished, set up tubeless and ready to ride. 
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The 30mm deep, 20mm inner width rims are great for modern tubeless road tyres up to 30c. 
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I fully expect these wheels to still be in use 100 years from now. 
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#handbuiltwheels #rimbrake #wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder
Ultralight gravel. 1210g with tape and valves. 3 Ultralight gravel. 1210g with tape and valves. 

315g @endo_wheels Ibuki rims, 45mm deep x 25mm inner width, laced with black brass nipples and @pillarspokes PSR XTRA1420 spokes to @nextiebikes 230g Rollingstar III hubs. 

Yes, could have gone lighter with alloy nips, but these wheels are meant to be ridden, not pampered. 
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Would you put these on your gravel bike?
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder #gravel
Another sweet build about to come to life. . Yes, Another sweet build about to come to life. 
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Yes, I can still build you a solid rim-brake wheel set! 
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#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheels
Some pretty hubs arrived for some special wheel bu Some pretty hubs arrived for some special wheel builds. 
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@endo_wheels and @nextiebikes 
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Isn’t that red simply gorgeous? 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding
A full wheel build in 100 seconds. . This is how A full wheel build in 100 seconds. 
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This is how your wheels are born. 
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#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheels
Hub logo as seen through the rim valve hole. . Ni Hub logo as seen through the rim valve hole. 
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Nicely aligned, as it should be. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #gravelbikewheels
A newly built pair of gorgeous trail bike wheels f A newly built pair of gorgeous trail bike wheels featuring @lyne_components hubs, @raceface_za rims and @pillarspokes 
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Ready for a life of action. 
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Assembled entirely by hand. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding
The next building on the bench uses these very nic The next building on the bench uses these very nice HI-PER hubs from @lyne_components. 
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They have very solid construction and a very nice sounding freehub. 
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Guess which rims they’re going on…
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #mtbwheels
These @endo_wheels hubs are soon going to form the These @endo_wheels hubs are soon going to form the heart of a new set of gravel wheels, intended for a hard life of service. 
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This slow motion shot really shows how solid the freehub mechanism is. 

#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding
My customer had a specific set of requests for thi My customer had a specific set of requests for this build:
- black and red colour scheme
- subtle and classy
- tough and robust
- exceptional value for money

These wheels are the result. 
@spankbikes rims and hubs, held together by @pillarspokes spokes and nipples. 

Finished off with premium@rim@tape and black alloy tubeless valves. 

#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #mtbwheels
Every spoke by hand. . #handbuiltwheels #wheelbui Every spoke by hand. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding
I think my son’s bike needs new spokes. . Should I think my son’s bike needs new spokes. 
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Should I use black or silver ones?
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#wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder #spokes
Someone messaged me last week asking if spending R Someone messaged me last week asking if spending R25,000 on wheels for his 10-year-old bike was crazy.

Let's do some quick maths:

A new bike that's meaningfully better than what you have will cost you R75,000+. But it'll still come with R5,000–R8,000 machine-built wheels, because that's where manufacturers cut costs.

Or spend R25,000 on a custom, hand-assembled carbon wheelset. Keep the bike you love, the fit you've dialled in, and the handling you know intimately. 

Get wheels equivalent to what comes stock on R180,000+ bikes.
That's 85% of the performance improvement for less than 40% of the cost.

If you ride those new wheels for 10 years, they'll end up costing you R210 a month.

I wrote the full breakdown on the blog on my website. 

If you're on the fence about whether a wheel upgrade makes sense for your bike, reading the article si worth five minutes of your time.

https://wheelbuilder.co.za/upgrading-your-wheels-2/
G•R•A•V•E•L Built, taped, valved, disc’d and tyre G•R•A•V•E•L

Built, taped, valved, disc’d and tyred. 
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Ready for a lifetime of adventure. 
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Are you for tanwall tyres?
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#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #gravelwheels
A very special set of wheels is about to come to l A very special set of wheels is about to come to life., featuring these hubs. 
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The @nextiebikes Rollingstar III hubs are simply incredible. 
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At a hair under 230g for the set, they’re world-cup light, and the level of quality is better than anything I’ve worked with before. 
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This is going to be fun. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder #gravelbikewheels
There must have been some violence involved when t There must have been some violence involved when this happened. 
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New rim day 👍
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder #mtbwheels
Another incredible 29er MTB wheelset build just co Another incredible 29er MTB wheelset build just completed. 
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1150g with tape and valves. 
30mm inner width carbon rims
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Big brands will sell you wheels like this for R40k+
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You can have a set for under R30k. 
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Upgrade without paying brand tax. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #carbonwheels
Carbon wheels with a bit of Italian flair. . Thes Carbon wheels with a bit of Italian flair. 
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These ultralight 29er wheels come in at just only 1105g for the set, with tape and Farr valves installed. 
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The rims are Nextie Alpha36s 235g, 24h units, laced with Pillar PBA1420 bladed spokes and black brass nipples, to a set of Nextie Rollingstar II non-boost hubs. 
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These wheels will breathe new life into my customer’s older bike and make it better than new. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #carbonwheels #customwheels
Where every build starts. . The components are ca Where every build starts. 
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The components are carefully selected. 
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Next comes assembly. 
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#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheels #carbonwheels #carbonrims
This is what 1750g of carbon fiber 29” rims looks This is what 1750g of carbon fiber 29” rims looks like. 
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That’s 245g per rim. 
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These build into 1090g wheel sets. With 28steel spokes per wheel. 
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Race-ready. 
Durable enough to ride every day. 
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Stay tuned for the builds. 
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#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheels #carbonwheels
Just received a delivery I’ve been waiting for. . Just received a delivery I’ve been waiting for. 
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Now the work can start. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #carbonwheels #customwheels
G•R•A•VE•L These all-metal gravel wheels landed i G•R•A•VE•L

These all-metal gravel wheels landed in the sweetspot at the intersection of price, weight and durability. 
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The Jetset AR23 rims are paired to ED-GE straightpull hubs and held together by premium Pillar PBA1420 bladed spokes. 
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All in all, at the 1690g with tubeless tape and valves, wheelset is light enough to suit high end bikes and at under R12k, affordable enough to be an excellent upgrade for entry level machines. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #gravelwheels #gravelcycling
A seriously robust set of wheels just left the wor A seriously robust set of wheels just left the workshop. 
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These will outlast multiple bikes. 
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Heavy rider?
High-powered e-bike?
Super rowdy trails?
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I’ve got you. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #customwheels
Robust wheelset loading… . #handbuiltwheels #wheel Robust wheelset loading…
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #raceface
A couple of sets of fresh DT Swiss mountain bike w A couple of sets of fresh DT Swiss mountain bike wheels all built up and ready to ship out. 
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Hand assembled. 
Precision tensioned. 
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It’s what I do. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #customwheels
It’s been a challenge to stay on top of all of the It’s been a challenge to stay on top of all of the small details in my wheelbuilding business. 
So I vibe-coded a tool to help me keep track of the jobs, component procurement and wheelset weights and specs. 
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#vibecoding #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder
This damage ended a professional rider’s race. (S This damage ended a professional rider’s race. 
(Source: @bikeradar )

Pros use wheels that their team tells them to. 
Most of us can choose - and should choose wisely. 
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The problem with proprietary hubs and spokes, in this case, is that the spokes I clipped from the hub when the rim cracked. 
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Using regular j-bend or even straightpull spokes will prevent this from happening, even if your rim is damaged in a huge impact. 
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Exactly why every wheel I build uses no proprietary parts and an be serviced and repaired at any decent bike shop in the world. 
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Why are big brands trying to reinvent the wheel?
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding
A broken spoke is never just bad luck. After 10+ A broken spoke is never just bad luck.

After 10+ years building and repairing wheels, I can tell you almost every broken spoke comes down to one of two things: poor quality spokes, or incorrect spoke tension when the wheel was built.

This matters because spokes don't just break - they fatigue. 

(Or your nipples break off because your wheel was originally assembled with poor quality nipples or spokes that are too short - like in this photo.)

Every pedal stroke, every pothole, every kilometre puts microscopic stress through each spoke. 

Quality spokes at the right tension handle this for years. 
Cheap spokes, or spokes that were tensioned too high, too low, or unevenly, accumulate damage much faster than they should.

So when one breaks, the others are usually not far behind.

This is the mistake I see cyclists make all the time: they replace the one broken spoke and ride on. 

If your wheel has broken 2 or more spokes, the rest are already compromised. 

They've all experienced the same fatigue. 
One fix won't save you - they all need to go.

A full spoke replacement done properly costs a fraction of a new wheel. 

More importantly, it also means you're not stranded on the side of the road wondering why it keeps happening.

If your wheel has broken more than one spoke, come talk to me before you replace another single one.

When I rebuild wheels with broken spokes, I use premium quality double-butted or bladed spokes (which are more elastic and are more resistant to metal fatigue) and high quality brass nipples.

There's nothing I want more for you than wheels that you can simply forget about.
Wheels that just work, remain reliable and allow you to focus on the ride - not on repairs.

If you've been breaking spokes, get in touch and let's sort out your wheels for good.

#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #mtbwheels
S•U•P•R•E•M•E I’ve just taped up the box on these S•U•P•R•E•M•E

I’ve just taped up the box on these incredible wheels. 
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Light, robust and gorgeous (if I do say so myself)
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@nextiebikes rims and hubs, @pillarspokes spokes and nipples, @maxxisbike tyres, @shimanomtb XT cassette and @srammtb brake rotors. 
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If these fit my bike I may well have kept them for myself. 
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How do you feel about the tan wall tyres?
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #customwheels #carbonwheels
I could sell expensive wheels to everyone who cont I could sell expensive wheels to everyone who contacts me. 
But I don't.

Because sometimes the honest answer is: "Your bike doesn't need a wheel upgrade. It needs something else." or “The wheels you’re asking for won’t work for you.”

I've seen every scenario. 
•	An enduro rider who asks for superlight XC wheels.
•	The bike that doesn't fit the rider’s intended use.
•	The casual rider eyeing R25,000 carbon racing wheels. 
•	The worn-out wheelset on a bike that's proven itself over a decade.

Not every situation calls for an (expensive) upgrade. 
And I'd rather tell you the truth than make a sale.

I've put together a comprehensive guide covering:

✗ Scenarios where you should NOT upgrade your wheels
✓ Scenarios where a wheel upgrade makes perfect sense
→ The middle ground where it's worth considering

No sales pitch. 
Just honest guidance on when wheel a upgrade delivers real value.
And when it doesn’t.

Because the best upgrade is the one that actually improves your riding, not the one that just empties your wallet. 

You can read the guide by clicking through to the Wheelbuilder website:
https://wheelbuilder.co.za/when-does-a-wheel-upgrade-make-sense-and-when-doesnt-it/

#cycling #wheelbuilder #handbuiltwheels #bikeupgrades #wheelbuilding
I built these wheels last year and they're awesome I built these wheels last year and they're awesome.

- Spank 359 Vibrocore alloy rims
- Limited Edition pink Hex Drive hubs
- Premium spokes
- Tensioned to perfection

Now they're for sale, and they could be yours.
There's only 1 set though. They're truly unique.

The price is nice - so nice I can't publish it - so get in touch if you're interested.

Only question remains.
Are you man (or woman) enough to ride pink hubs?

#wheelbuilder #spankbikes #handbuiltwheels #enduro #mtbwheels
F•E•A•T•H•E•R•L•I•G•H•T Wheel build of the week! F•E•A•T•H•E•R•L•I•G•H•T

Wheel build of the week!

These gorgeous #GravelWheels weigh in at only 1284g for the set.

35mm deep, 25mm inner width @nextiebikes carbon rims and their new ultralight RS III hubs are held in perfect unison by Pillar bladed spokes and black brass nipples. 
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Truly special wheels. 
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Compared to their big brand peers, these are lighter, stronger and less expensive. 
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Finally carbon gravel wheels that are race-ready and durable enough to ride every day. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #gravel
1097g 29er XC carbon wheelset. . Not race-day only 1097g 29er XC carbon wheelset.
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Not race-day only wheels, but wheels built to ride all day, everyday. 
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These will be ridden hard, I know that for a fact. 
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Steel spokes and brass nipples. 
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World-cup light. 
Everyday durable. 
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#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheels #mtbwheels #nextie
We had a customer message us this week with a ques We had a customer message us this week with a question we hear all the time...

"Is it crazy to spend R25,000 on carbon wheels for a bike I bought 10 years ago for R35,000?"

Short answer? 
No. Not crazy. Not even close.

Here's the thing — after 10 years of hard riding, your wheels are cooked. Fatigued spokes. Seized nipples. Warped rims. Bearings that have been quietly stealing your energy on every single ride.

Your frame? Still great. Your fork? Fine. Your drivetrain? Working perfectly.

So why replace the whole bike?

A quality wheel upgrade transforms the bike you already love — the one that fits you perfectly, that you know inside out — for a fraction of what a new bike would cost.

We wrote a full breakdown of the math, the performance gains, and exactly when a wheel upgrade makes more sense than a new bike.

👉 Read it here: https://wheelbuilder.co.za/upgrading-your-wheels-2/ 

And if you're wondering whether your current wheels are holding you back, drop us a message. We're happy to chat. 🚵

#wheelbuilder #handbuiltwheels #mtbwheels
Gravel wheels built to outlast. . This set is goi Gravel wheels built to outlast. 
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This set is going on a @mercerbikes bike. 
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Chris, many happy miles. 
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Jestset rims on Hope hubs. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #gravel
A tough little 26” wheel for a young shredder who’ A tough little 26” wheel for a young shredder who’s been destroying wheels. 
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Good luck breaking this one! 
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Assembled using a Stan’s Flow Mk4 rim, double butter Pillar spokes and a new ED-GE hub. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #enduro #mtbwheels
Ready for@your new gravel wheels? ##wheelbuilder Ready for@your new gravel wheels?
##wheelbuilder
Read this carefully. 230g hub set from Nextie. Read this carefully. 

230g hub set from Nextie. 
For road and gravel bikes. 

With premium bearings and the proven and upgraded ratchet freehub system. 

I’m putting these into a new set of gravel wheels. 

Stay tuned. 

#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheels #gravelwheels
Only 1 set of rims like this exists in the whole w Only 1 set of rims like this exists in the whole world.

Here's what you need to know:
- 50mm deep and 24mm inner width
- Disc brake carbon road rims
- 360g per rim (sub-1300g wheelset weight possible)

They could be yours if you act fast.
Comment or message me to reserve the opportunity to own these very unique, beautiful rims.

I'll build them up into an incredible roadbike or light gravel wheelset for you.

Do you love the colour?

#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #carbonrims #carbonwheels #nextie
1360g carbon 29” trail bike wheels just boxed and 1360g carbon 29” trail bike wheels just boxed and ready to ship. 
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With 350g ASTM4 rims, this set is rated to a 140kg system weight limit. 
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Steel spokes and brass nips. 
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Fully assembled, tensioned and trued by hand. 
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Light can also be strong. 
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #carbonwheels
Straight-pull hubs for road, gravel and MTB. . Th Straight-pull hubs for road, gravel and MTB. 
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The @nextiebikes hubs are impeccable quality, dead simple to maintain and incredibly light. 
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Available for all custom wheel builds with alloy or carbon rims. 
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#wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder #handbuiltwheels #mtbwheels #carbonwheels
Now you know what makes the sound in your hub whil Now you know what makes the sound in your hub while you’re freewheeling. 
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#wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder #handbuiltwheels
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to true I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to true a customer’s wheel, only to find the nipples seized to the spoke threads. 
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Since I started building wheels in 2015 I’ve been lubricating spoke threads with grease. 
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Whenever I’ve had to work on a wheel that I’ve built, it’s always been a pleasure. 
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There’s nothing worse than a stuck nipple that refuses to turn. 
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Have you ever had to true a wheel but couldn’t because the nipples were seized?

#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder #customwheels
Gravel wheels built to go the distance. . I’ve ju Gravel wheels built to go the distance. 
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I’ve just finished these 650b wheels with Easton 24mm inner width rims, Hope Pro5 hubs and double butted Pillar spokes. 
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Smooth, strong and classy. 
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Pretty, no?
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#gravelwheels #wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder #handbuiltwheels #knowyourwheelbuilder
Most cyclists think they chose their wheels. But Most cyclists think they chose their wheels.

But in reality, the wheels either:
• Came with the bike
• Or were what the shop had in stock

That’s not choice.
That’s availability.

Those wheels weren’t designed for your weight, power, terrain, or goals.

They were designed to suit the average rider, save the manufacturer money and sell quickly.

Real choice doesn’t start with a wheelset.
It starts with a conversation.

Because buying wheels and choosing wheels wisely are not the same thing.

Custom wheels aren’t about being fancy.
They’re about riding something that was actually built for you.

Know your wheelbuilder.

#Wheelbuilder #CustomWheels #wheelbuilding #mtbwheels#carbonwheels
New rim day. . Stuff breaks. That’s the nature of New rim day. 
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Stuff breaks. That’s the nature of cycling. 
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My job is to fix what you break and get you back on the road. 
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This broken road rim is about to be swapped with a brand new, better one. 
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I love my job. 
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You ever broken a rim@like this?
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#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #carbonrims #carbonwheels
Build g wheels is more than component assembly. . Build g wheels is more than component assembly. 
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It’s about creating something to suit an individual. 
No one-size-fits-all. 
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I need to know who you are as a rider, what you expect andWhat you need. 
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You know who made your frame. 
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Do you know your Wheelbuilder? 
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#wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #handbuiltwheels #mtbwheels #customwheels
It’s been a while since I built a set of wheels wi It’s been a while since I built a set of wheels with classic j-bend spokes. 
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These @oneupcomponents hubs are some of the nicest currently available - light, robust and good looking. 
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I have this 28h, BOOST set on hand, just waiting for the right rider to come along. 
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Do you prefer j-bend or straightpull spokes, and why?
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#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #mtbwheels #customwheels
There’s a reason wheels appear at the bottom of mo There’s a reason wheels appear at the bottom of most bike spec sheets.

• They’re one of the biggest cost variables in a complete bike.
• They’re difficult to compare on paper.
• And most riders are expected to upgrade them later.

As a wheel builder, I see this every day.

Your bike doesn't need a new electronic groupset or carbon handlebar.
But it probably needs better wheels.

#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #customwheels #carbonwheels
Custom, hand-built wheels. Engineered around you, Custom, hand-built wheels.

Engineered around you, the rider.
Not average. Not mediocre.

No compromise. Not optimized for cost savings.

Built. Not bought.

#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilding #wheelbuilder #customwheels
Hand-built wheels are built. Not bought. Not optim Hand-built wheels are built. Not bought.
Not optimized for fast assembly or cost-savings.

Engineered around the rider.

Made for you.

#handbuiltwheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding #bicyclewheels #mtbwheels
Off-the-shelf wheels are built to a cost-saving fo Off-the-shelf wheels are built to a cost-saving formula. 
Custom wheels are built around you - the rider. 
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Your weight. Your power. Your riding style. The terrain you ride, and your budget. 
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That’s the difference between wheels that are simply assembled and those that are specifically engineered. 
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Built. Not bought. 
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Find out what your dream wheels will cost by requesting a free, no-obligation quote via the link in our bio. 
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#customwheels #handbuiltwheels #bicyclewheels #wheelbuilder #wheelbuilding
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