16 March 2013

Wheels! It has been a flurry of wheelbuilding the last week or so, so I thought I would share a few examples. Firstly one that I didn’t need to build – Dash‘s new Gretchen flat disc, at a very low weight of 764g. As featured on the NAHBS-awarded TT bike.

Then a light-but-tough set of 26″ mtb wheels. Chris King ISO hubs, NoTubes Crest rims and Sapim cx-ray spokes, weighing in at 1500g. We also have a custom road singlespeed build, using a White Industries Eno eccentric hub to eliminate having a chain tensioner. These are completed with a T11 front hub to match, laced to NoTubes Alpha 340 rims with cx-ray spokes.

For a lightweight (1260g) road racing wheelset, Soul-Kozak hubs are built onto Alpha 340 rims, cx-ray hubs and purple nipples for a bit of color accent.

And finally we have a sturdy set of disc ‘cross wheels – Chris King ISO hubs with Wheelsmith double butted spokes laced to NoTubes Ironcross rims – blue nipples and Salsa skewers match the hubs to complete the set. These wheels weigh 1630g.

Coming soon – the first wheels built up on the new Alchemy ORC-UL rear hub. This is expected to come in around 180g, with options for both 10 and 11 speed. I expect to get the first ones in April – the previous ORC was always my go-to hub for the best blend of lightweight and durability, so I’m excited to see the new lighter version.

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