Wheel builders


twotommos's picture

By twotommos - Posted on 29 June 2010

Hi guys
In this climate of instant coffee and instant wheels, where LBC's are more inclined to sell you a whole new wheel or it costs a fortune to build up a new wheel, can anyone recommend a N beaches LBC wheel builder that's got a great track record; or have you got some experience on the matter that you can share?
thanks

Pietra's picture

Not exactly Northern Beaches but if you can make it to Lane Cove ...

John from Renegade Cycles has rebuilt several wheels for me - I believe Chris also does work on wheels but I a pretty sure that he has said that John is the better guy for the job - they have also built up my last two mountain bikes, service all my bikes including truing of wheels

The wheels he has built have been roadie wheels, and he doesn't always fully detension the spokes afterwards (resulting in a few squeeks and squawks first ride out) but he has happily done a followup true after the first ride or two if it is needed - I am pretty pedantic about that stuff though

He has always been happy to discuss/recommend bits for the wheel eg correct length nipples, dbl vs trpl butted spokes etc - he races downhill and has a good appreciation of weight and strength

He also thinks about the wheel build (some might say old fashioned I say sensible) aligning decals on rim and hub (which should then align with the decal on the tyre), and leaving the spokes around the valve "open" so as to not interfere with getting a pump in

my 2c

muvro's picture

Chris at Northern beaches Cycles builds wheels, he's sorted out a couple of wheels for me, and also straightened a few more. lol He can build a wheel from scratch or revive a dead wheel.

I think Adrian at Belrose does them too.

delicious's picture

Go to Adrian at Belrose Cycles. It's just like ordering a pizza...
1. Select a hub.
2. Select a rim.
3. Select spoke and nipple type.
4. Bake on high 'till crispy.
A hand made custom wheelset is an absolutely worthwhile investment.
While you're there check out the Commencal bikes. I had one for a day recently and loved it. Wheelie!

GiantNut's picture

I had two punctures and only one tube so went stuff it and rode back along the long trail on a flat tyre - Adrian sorted out the rim - like brand new

noddman's picture

Adrian is a wizard with a spoke key and a pringled rim , I speak from experiance . I have also seen him put a new wheel together and make it look easy.

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