If you can do this, you might just be a bike mechanic yourself.
It is no exaggeration to say that wheel building is just that kind of task.
Among all the work a bike mechanic does, "wheel building" is the most profound and enjoyable process.
"Wheel building" refers to the process of assembling the wheels used on a bicycle.
So, why go to the trouble of choosing components one by one and building custom wheels in the shop in this day and age, when pre-built "factory" wheels are the norm?
Whether it’s choosing parts or the actual assembly, hand-built wheels require you to think through every detail yourself, making it a more involved process than buying pre-built wheels.
If you just want to keep the cost down, choose an affordable pre-built wheelset.
It’s cheaper that way.
If you just want to use a high-performance wheelset like those used by professional riders, choose a pre-built wheelset.
They are expensive, but you get to use the same equipment as the pros.
But when you want a wheelset that is "just right" for you, choose hand-built wheels.
Think about how you intend to use them.
Consider your own riding style.
Think about your budget.
Picture the final silhouette.
And then,
Choose the hubs.
Choose the rims.
Choose the spokes.
Choose the nipples.
Only then do you hand it over to us.
From here, it’s our job as mechanics.
We calculate the proper spoke length from the rims and hubs you’ve chosen, and once the length is determined, we cut the spokes.
Snip, snip, one by one.
Once the spokes are ready, we apply a thread locker.
Swish, swish, one by one.
Once the thread locker is applied, we perform the initial assembly.
Clatter, clatter, this is also done one by one.
When the initial assembly is finished, the next step is truing.
Round and round, we turn the nipples one by one.
Once the nipples have been turned to a certain point, we then center the wheel.
Clank, clank, click—we adjust the sides so the rim sits perfectly in the center of the hub.
After checking the center, we measure the spoke tension.
Squeeze, squeeze, click—we adjust them until all spokes have uniform tension.
Then, we return to the truing process from three steps back and repeat the same procedure.
To ensure we meet the requests provided, we repeat the same procedure over and over until we are satisfied, while thinking about the customer's height, weight, riding style, and the bike being used.
Once it’s finished, we polish the wheels and apply our signature sticker.
This is proof, clearly indicating to the customer who built the wheel and how.
For customers who placed an order in the shop, we wait for you to pick them up,
and for customers who ordered online, we ship them to you.
And finally, when they are mounted on the bicycle and you start your ride, the wheel building process is complete.
That is what makes a "just right" wheelset.
A wheelset you chose and agonized over yourself will always be a favorite.
Just looking at it will make you smile,
and riding it will make you smile even more.
Please, set up such a "just right" wheelset on your bicycle.
If it feels too difficult or you don't understand something, try doing some research; the web is overflowing with information.
If you still don't quite understand, please ask us in the shop or via email.
With the experience of building hundreds of wheels every year, we will propose the perfect, "just right" wheelset for you.
We look forward to hearing from you!
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
Gorillah Spun Wheel Building