It’s been a while since the last Gorilla Spun update. (My apologies to those who were looking forward to it!)
Today, I’d like to jump right in and introduce a wheelset I recently built up!
The H PLUS SON / Hydra has become a staple rim for disc brakes, offering a sense of reliability that is second to none. With a 25mm width, it pairs perfectly with the higher-volume tires used in gravel and cyclocross. Despite its impressively low weight of 455g, it’s tough enough to take a real beating, and to top it off, it’s tubeless-ready—which is why I recommend it so often.
I paired that rim with a PAUL COMPONENT / High Flange Track Hub. If you’re thinking, "Wait, isn't that a strange combination?", you’re right.
The bike it’s going on is a rim-brake SSCX (Single Speed Cyclocross). In other words, there’s absolutely no intention of using the brakes! It’s a "manly" spec wheelset intended only for things like #trackcross or hitting the velodrome.
This kind of unique wheel setup is something you can really only achieve with a custom hand-built build. So, to ensure it’s tough enough for cyclocross, I laced it up solidly with DT Swiss Champion spokes.
Paul hubs have a simple design that resists play and spins smoothly. While the main axle uses aluminum for weight savings, the bolts and bearing races are stainless steel for durability, making them a highly recommended choice for track bike riders looking to upgrade their wheelsets. Oh, and by the way, Paul has re-released purple as a limited edition color, and we actually have one set of the purple hubs in stock here at Circles.
For example, matching your nipple colors to the hubs is a great look (aluminum nipples only). With hand-built wheels, it’s easy to do things like changing the color of just the valve-adjacent nipple or mixing and matching nipple colors. While this is more about aesthetics than performance, please feel free to reach out to us with such requests!
We also ship to those in distant areas. Gorilla Spun’s current lead time is one week from the time all parts are in stock, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
【GORILLA SPUN STOCK WHEEL】
At Gorilla Spun, we also offer stock wheels. Unique wheel combinations—like those using single-speed hubs—are exactly where hand-built wheels shine. You might just find the perfect wheelset for your needs! Be sure to check them out here. Of course, if you don’t find what you’re looking for, please feel free to contact us.
