Over the past 8 and a half years of building wheels for customers I have encountered every conceivable level of cyclist and built every kind of wheel imaginable.
In this series of articles I’ll list some of the best wheels that I can currently build for you, in each budget category.
First, you need to understand how we arrive at the wheelset costs:
Add up the cost of the parts:
Rims + hubs + spokes + nipples. (I always install tubeless rim tape at no additional cost)
Other costs:
The cost of the wheel build + delivery.
I can also add any parts you may require, like brake discs, tubeless valves and tyres.
A typical itemised costing looks like this:
R2000 + R2000 (rims) + R6995 (hubs) + 64 x R28 = R1792 (spokes & nipples) + R745 + R745 (labour charge, per wheel) + R250 (delivery) = R14 527 incl VAT.
Let’s explore the options:
(prices accurate at time of writing – June 2023 – and are subject to change without notice. If you’re reading this in 2024 or beyond, expect these prices to be different)
MTB wheels under R10 000
Although not cheap by any means, wheels in this category also don’t need to be nasty.
Wheels like these are most often chosen to replace a damaged set, or to upgrade to more modern standards, without breaking the bank.
Best budget MTB wheels recommendation:
Zero MT25 or MT30 alloy rims. (25mm or 30mm inner width, respectively)
Zero SL4.0 non-boost or SL6.0 BOOST hubs.
Pillar 2.0 – 1.8 – 2.0mm black double butted stainless steel spokes & black brass nipples.
Including assembly & rim tape.
R9 982.00 excl delivery
The wheels in the images above have been installed on my own bike for over a year, and they’ve been flawless.
The typical turn-around time to build a set like this, when all parts are available locally, is about a week to 10 days, from when you place the order.
Interested in a set of custom wheels for yourself?
Visit this link and request a no-obligation quote for wheels that suit your needs.
