Box-section rims use eyelets to reinforce the thin extruded section of the rim. Currently, the only rim we offer that uses eyelets is the Atlas.

Aero-section rims do not require the use of eyelets for strength, as they utilize additional aluminum in the spoke bed area to provide the necessary reinforcement.

*Box-section rim: A rim designed with a traditional shallow, rectangular shape

*Aero-section rim: A rim designed with angled side walls

While some believe eyelets help in wheel building by creating a smooth socket for the spoke nipple to rotate in, at VELOCITY, we drill all our rims—whether they have eyelets or not—to ensure the spokes can be adjusted smoothly.

The spoke hole exit angle is approximately 4 degrees, and they are drilled with an alternating left/right flange bias for every other hole.

At VELOCITY, we manufacture our rims using a proprietary sleeve jointing method.

In this process, a joiner extrusion that fits perfectly into the internal cavity of the rim is used, and after the rim is adjusted to be perfectly round and flat, it is chemically welded. Unlike arc welding or resistance welding, which can make the joint weak and brittle, this method is characterized by the ability to produce highly reliable rims while maintaining the strength properties of the aluminum at the joint.

We recommend a spoke tension of 110kgf to 130kgf for assembly.

While it varies slightly depending on the rim, the mark of a skilled wheel builder is the ability to find the maximum tension the rim can withstand while maintaining radial and lateral trueness.

After considering rider weight and equipment, we recommend 32 spokes for both front and rear for riders weighing 90kg to 103kg, 36 spokes for both front and rear for those weighing 104kg to 117kg, and 36 front spokes and 40 rear spokes for those weighing 117kg to 136kg. This is a simple guide to indicate which wheelset is optimal. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding wheelsets.

For rims designed for rim brakes, we offer a Machined Sidewall (MSW) that provides excellent braking performance, available in either painted or anodized finishes.

We remove as much material as possible to create a perfectly flat, raw aluminum braking surface. Since silver and polished rims do not require machining, we choose not to machine the sidewalls, even for rim brake versions.

These finishes provide superior braking performance and are resistant to wear marks. By not machining the sidewalls, we contribute to a longer lifespan for the rim.

Weather-resistant sealed cartridge bearings are used in most Velocity hubs. Our racing hubs are designed with cyclocross in mind, featuring improved double-bearing seals for superior weather resistance.

"Sealed" does not mean waterproof. If your bearings are submerged in water, or subjected to high-pressure washers or invasive cleaning, we recommend service or replacement by a professional mechanic.

Bearing preload is set at the factory and requires no adjustment. All Velocity sealed cartridge bearing hubs come standard with internal cam quick-release skewers.

Quick Release

Internal cam quick releases offer several advantages over external cam quick releases.

Because the clamping mechanism is entirely contained within the lever, the moving parts remain clean and efficient. This reduces the force required on the lever and allows for greater tension to be applied to the dropouts. Internal cam quick releases are a necessity when mounting wheels to chrome or stainless steel dropouts. Quick releases are included with all sealed cartridge bearing hubs.

Cassette Body Maintenance

The pawls in your cassette body are what transfer your power to the ground. Depending on usage and environmental conditions, they should be inspected and re-lubricated at least once a year.