Custom Wheel Building
at Aaron's Bicycle Repair
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What is a custom wheel? Simply put it is any wheel built by an experienced mechanic in a shop setting. Contrary to the popular media, the best wheels are still built one at a time in your local bike shop. Nothing can come close! Sure the fancy wheels from Shimano, Rolf, Cane Creek and others are light and responsive. However, the thing they neglect to tell you is those wheels are made for RACE ONLY conditions. They do not hold up to daily use! Our roads in Seattle are far from perfect and you will only have problems with a complete wheel from a major brand. Let us build a wheel for you and your particular needs and you will NEVER have any problems with it!! Guarantteed! We back this up with FREE TRUING FOREVER. Come by and we will help you decide on the very best wheel for your needs. Our only stipulation for the warranty is that you buy the rim and spokes from us. |
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When we build you a wheel it is Guaranteed for Life! No hassels: just straight, true & strong wheels every time and FREE TRUING FOREVER, even if you crash, or break a spoke! Wheel Building Labor
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Just a few of the high quality components we prefer to build with:
We will also build with almost any component you choose, but may not stand behind the durability of the wheel.
Many people ask us about MAVIC rims. We do not sell them because we have seen too many MAVIC rims crack prematurely. The extrusion is too thin and the aluminum too brittle.
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Dipping the Spokes in Linseed Oil to lubricate and prevent loosening. Linseed Oil dries to a gel-like consistancy and acts as a thread locker, while still allowing the nipple to turn. |
Mike crossing the spokes 3-Cross, the strongest way to build most wheels. Also the Drive-Side Pulling Spokes are installed on the outside. This makes the wheel stronger and it will stay true longer. |
A WORD ABOUT FANCY PREBUILT WHEELSETS:
Unfortunately, many companies are now touting the virtues of speed, aerodynamics and light weight in their fancy wheel sets. Some brands are Rolf, Cane Creek, Spinergy, Mavic, Shimano and others. If you read the fine print in the manuals that come with these wheels they will say they are a lightweight, high performance wheel set not designed for constant use. Basically they are saying these wheels are Race Only! Contrary to popular opinion, racing is not that hard on equipment. Commuting or hard off-road riding is much harder on parts. Unlike racing, the conditions are less controlled and the bike sees many more miles. Consequently, these wheels hold up better under racing conditions and should not be used for training or everyday use. Get a pair of handbuilt 32 or 36 spoke count standard wire wheels and you will have far fewer problems. Maintenance is also cheaper on standard spoked wheels.
Problems/Disadvantages we have seen with these wheels:
Some light weight people (under 165 pounds) or those with lots of finesse have success with these wheels but the rest of us should shy away from them. If you already have a set, keep it for special days or racing and have us build you a durable set you will never have problems with. Guaranteed!
Our Phil Wood spoke cutting/threading machine, any color, any size, any type, any material.
First spoke: $2.00, Second spoke 75 cents to $1.99 each.
We can build you any fun/cool lacing pattern you like. Crow's foot, for example, is a strong way to save a little weight, it is also a great conversation piece at the pre-ride coffee / post-ride beer!
Lacing Patterns and More Lacing Patterns
The below lacing patterns are only for front wheels or show bikes.
Click images of wheels we have built for detail of lacing pattern.
2-Leading 2-Trailing
Many other factors contribute to wheel durability such as: road conditions, grades ridden, tire size, tire pressure, rider finesse, cargo weight, rim profile, wheel diameter, etc.
When deciding on a new wheel, it is best for your mechanic to see your bike as well. There are many variables to consider, especially with rear wheels. That way we can best help you choose the best wheel for you.
This table lists the minimum spoke count based on rider weight to qualify for the ABR wheel warranty.
A simpler method, favored by our head mechanic Mikey, is to match your waist size to the number of spokes in your rear wheel!