Wheel building

[nick_the_wheelbuilder]

27 minutes ago, NotSoBigBen said:

Some super wheelsets @nick_the_wheelbuilder ... Maybe one day when I'm big I can have some custom wheels 😎

Just wondering how many other hubbers venture into 'amateur wheel building'?

I have been doing it for a few years now ... ONLY for my own use that is! Often out of necessity because I know the 'real' wheel experts would scoff at some of the crazy stuff I've done ... Quite a few odd rim/hub hole count combinations and sometimes need something that I can 'codge' up out of bits and pieces in my garage saving me a few shekels.

A single wheel build for me would take  2 or 3 days to get it close to true and round, often times I get it as close as dammit and then live with it.

 

 

 

That's exactly how I started out!

...then I fell in love with the process and the rest is history!

[nick_the_wheelbuilder]

Friday afternoon announcement!

I've just launched what I think is South Africa's first and only online custom wheel build portal.

In this first version, you can design and spec, and buy your own choice of DT Swiss MTB rims and hubs, spokes and nipples, and I'll build them and ship them to your door.

Phase 2 will be adding in rims and hubs from other brands so that you can mix and match, and put together a wheelset using any available components, from a raft of premium brands.

I'm keen to get your feedback on this, so that I can iron out any kinks.

Please check it out here: 
https://wheelbuilder.co.za/product/dt-mtb-custom-build/

 

[Super Sywurm]

1 hour ago, nick_the_wheelbuilder said:

Friday afternoon announcement!

I've just launched what I think is South Africa's first and only online custom wheel build portal.

In this first version, you can design and spec, and buy your own choice of DT Swiss MTB rims and hubs, spokes and nipples, and I'll build them and ship them to your door.

Phase 2 will be adding in rims and hubs from other brands so that you can mix and match, and put together a wheelset using any available components, from a raft of premium brands.

I'm keen to get your feedback on this, so that I can iron out any kinks.

Please check it out here: 
https://wheelbuilder.co.za/product/dt-mtb-custom-build/

 

I almost placed and order, then I remembered I have a wife.😳

Edited Friday at 01:51 PM by Super Sywurm

[splat]

2 hours ago, Super Sywurm said:

I almost placed and order, then I remembered I have a wife.😳

Buy her a set too !

[Super Sywurm]

1 minute ago, splat said:

Buy her a set too !

For her car?

[Super Sywurm]

Will a new wheel set make me at least 50% faster going uphill?

[nick_the_wheelbuilder]

19 hours ago, Super Sywurm said:

Will a new wheel set make me at least 50% faster going uphill?

You'll look 80 - 200% cooler with a new wheelset. 😀

In all seriousness, a new wheelset MIGHT save you loads of time during a race if you don't break spokes, your tubeless tyres don't burp, or if you don't have another mechanical failure.

While riding, new better wheels might save a few seconds here and there if they're lighter and more aero...

Performance gains with wheels, like any other bike component are normally pretty marginal.
New wheels might look a lot nicer than the old ones.
Stronger wheels will be more durable and reliable and need less maintenance.

Pick your favorite reason that justifies your investment

[MORNE]

On 1/20/2025 at 5:00 PM, Super Sywurm said:

Will a new wheel set make me at least 50% faster going uphill?

 

8 hours ago, nick_the_wheelbuilder said:

You'll look 80 - 200% cooler with a new wheelset. 😀

In all seriousness, a new wheelset MIGHT save you loads of time during a race if you don't break spokes, your tubeless tyres don't burp, or if you don't have another mechanical failure.

While riding, new better wheels might save a few seconds here and there if they're lighter and more aero...

Performance gains with wheels, like any other bike component are normally pretty marginal.
New wheels might look a lot nicer than the old ones.
Stronger wheels will be more durable and reliable and need less maintenance.

Pick your favorite reason that justifies your investment

I got me a set of South Industries enduro wheels on Hope’s late last year for a great deal and while the weight benefit was marginal at best, for me the biggest improvement was how the carbon wheels felt vs the alloys. Its almost like they feel more spritely, zingy, poppy…they ‘hold’ energy better while still providing amazing compliance and comfort. It’s something i immediately felt coming out of the first corner on them.

Not very scientific i know…but they FEEL better and thats enough for me.
i justify any bike purchase like this - if it makes me want to ride more…it’s better and worth it.

They replaced a set of burly Hope Fortus 30’s on the same hubs (amazing wheels too) but the South wheels feel so much better in fast corners and going fast over chunky terrain. They also sound better. Its like the carbon build resonates the sound from the freebody differently to the alloy set with the exact same hubs on them. 
 

Its a huge investment for sure, but after taking the plunge i would deffo say it was worth it.

in short, better wheels are more betterer than less better wheels😅

Edited 11 hours ago by MORNE

[NotSoBigBen]

On 1/20/2025 at 5:00 PM, Super Sywurm said:

Will a new wheel set make me at least 50% faster going uphill?

I'm my experience the more I have spent on an 'upgrade' the better my perceived improvement in speed 🤪 ... Unfortunately the one thing that had a measurable and visible effect on my real speed on a bike actually saved me money!