A strong, reliable wheel is the heart of your bike. Whether you’re replacing a broken rim or upgrading for performance, a proper wheel build is often the most cost‑effective and durable solution.

Why wheel building matters

Rim replacement requires a full build: When a rim breaks, it isn’t just a swap. Different rims have different ERD (Effective Rim Diameter) measurements, so spoke lengths must be recalculated and spokes replaced.
Spoke length precision: Even a few millimetres off can compromise strength and tension balance, so every build is measured and cut to match the rim and hub combination.
Nipple choice is critical: We only ever build with brass nipples. Alloy nipples are prone to galvanic corrosion, especially in our coastal valley environment, and often fail prematurely. Many wheel builds are needed simply because alloy nipples have broken down. We avoid that problem entirely.
Lacing patterns and spoke counts matter: The way a wheel is laced, and how many spokes it has, directly affects tension balance, compliance, and ride feel. Alloy rims often need different lacing to carbon rims, and road wheels typically use fewer spokes with lighter patterns compared to the stronger, denser builds of mountain bike wheels. Choosing the right pattern is part of ensuring both performance and durability.

How we build

Every wheel is hand‑built using a truing stand and a full suite of ParkTool equipment. We use a wide variety of spoke keys for every nipple type (internal or external), bladed spoke holders, a spoke tensiometer, and variance gauges to ensure perfect tension, no hops, and lateral uniformity. Each build is stress‑relieved, trued, and checked for long‑term durability.

Wheel upgrades

Lighter wheels reduce rotational mass, helping you climb faster on Chappies and spin up quicker on the flats. For enduro or downhill riders, stronger rims add confidence through rock gardens, big drops, and jumps. Every upgrade is a full rebuild — recalculated spoke lengths for each rim’s ERD, brass nipples to prevent coastal corrosion, and precision equipment for lasting performance.

Our philosophy

Wheel building isn’t just a service — it’s an education. We want riders to understand why proper construction matters, how corrosion and poor component choices lead to failures, and why precision tools and methods make the difference between a wheel that lasts and one that lets you down.