A few things worth knowing before you order. If your question isn’t here, get in touch and we’ll answer it. If it seems relevant, we will probably add it below.
What’s in a wheel building kit?
Each kit contains everything you need to lace a 3-cross wheel: the rim, the hub, spokes cut and threaded to the exact length for that specific combination, the matching nipples, and rim tape. You supply the tools and build the wheel.
Do I need to calculate spoke length myself?
No. That’s the point of a curated kit. We calculate the spoke length for the exact rim and hub in each kit and cut every spoke to that length in-house, so you don’t have to run the numbers or worry about ERD, offset, or cross pattern. You get spokes that fit the parts in the box.
Why are your kits mostly 36 hole / 3 Cross builds?
36-hole hubs combined with a three cross build is perhaps the best tried and true method to lace a strong long lasting wheel. Other lacing patterns have their place, but not with our builds. With only 4 extra spokes and minimal additional weight, the strength added is exponential. Furthermore, 36-hole builds are generally more forgiving of imprecise building methods leading to spoke tension differences for both beginners and experts.
What tools do I need to build the wheel?
At minimum: a spoke wrench sized to your nipples and a way to check trueness. A proper truing stand makes it much easier, though the frame or fork can work in a pinch. A nipple driver, dish tool, and tension meter all help but aren’t strictly required. Check out our wheel-building basics page. We also sell a variety of tools.
Will a kit fit my frame and hub standards?
Each kit is built around a specific axle standard, brake type, and freehub or driver where relevant (our Weird Duck Builds are meant to work with multiple standards for axle length and brake type) Be sure to read the product page for the exact specs before ordering. Our range is focused on rim-brake road, touring, and classic/vintage builds, so if you’re on a modern disc/thru-axle setup, look closely at the listing first.
Can I customize a kit or swap components?
Sure thing. While our kits are presented as curated, pre-matched sets, including custom cut spokes, we can send you a combination of any parts you see in our store. Just know that our curated kits are a, considered selection of combinations that we know work well together, and are often based on real world builds. Getting ahold of us is easy through our contact page. Give us an idea of what you want, and we’ll get back to you with a reasonable price.
Do you build wheels or offer a building service?
We sell kits, not finished wheels or labor. We stand behind the components and the spoke lengths we cut, but the build itself: tension, trueness, dish and stress-relief is the builder’s responsibility. If you’re new to it, that’s part of the appeal: these kits are meant to be hand-built by you.
Where do you ship, and how long does it take?
We ship from California. We generally use UPS or USPS, but may change carries to find the best price – We’re a small shop, but we strive to ship within 1-3 business days from your order. We will let you know if there is any delay. Shipping page.
What’s your return policy?
Unused, components can be returned within 30 days. – Returns