We've been building wheels in our Wellington, New Zealand workshop since 2004.
In that time we've tested extensively to build up a detailed understanding of what makes a wheel work well and last: we’ve lab tested lateral stiffness, spoke elongation, and impact resistance, and conducted ongoing real-world durability testing with our own staff and test riders.
Each component is selected for the intended use, taking into account not just the individual components but also the way they interact.
We also consider the long term use of the wheel and how it might need to adapt over time. We draw on our experience of building or servicing most of the wheel component brands in the market.
Independent, and intending to stay that way
Our goal is to find you the right wheel. We're not tied to any brand or distributor so when we recommend a hub or a rim it's because we think it's right for your riding, and not because of a supply deal or what’s available through a local wholesaler.
When we can’t find a component on the market which meets our needs we develop it ourselves, such as with our Dial hubs and W:one rims.
How your wheels are actually built
We're not a dropshipper: your wheels are built in our world-leading workshop.
Every build starts with measurement. We calculate the exact spoke length required for your specific combination of hub, rim, and lacing pattern, then cut and roll each spoke to that length. Most wheelbuilders order spokes in 2mm increments and work with whatever is closest, however the spokes in your wheels will be accurate to 0.1mm. This difference is hidden away inside the rim, but it means no broken spokes as the wheel ages.
Build for the long haul
Once laced, every wheel goes through Grimlock - a pneumatic press we designed ourselves that pre-stresses the wheel well beyond any load you as the rider will put through it. This settles the spokes before the wheel ever leaves the workshop meaning no pinging, and no loosening of spokes over time. We also use Trudi, a tool we were instrumental in developing, as part of our truing and tensioning process.
Once your wheels are true to our exacting tolerances, we pack them in our custom-made shipping boxes - designed around the dimensions of each wheel to provide better protection, less waste, and lower shipping costs than an off-the-shelf box.
After your wheels ship
Our relationship doesn't end at checkout.
Your wheels will last a long time, and we've structured our after-sale support around that reality. Our customers hold onto their Wheelworks wheels through multiple bikes, drivetrain changes, and discipline shifts - and we're here to help this.
Every wheel we build is logged in our tracking system: components used, exact spoke lengths, process details, and build notes. When you contact us years later asking whether your wheelset will work with a new frame, or what bearings you need, or whether a freehub body is available for a new drivetrain, we’ll help you.
That kind of meticulous notetaking is only worth anything if the wheels last long enough to need it, and ours do.
Warranty, truing, and parts
Our warranty varies by wheel - you'll find the full details on our warranty page - but the short version is that we stand behind what we build.
We offer free truing for the life of your wheels. In practice, a well-built wheel rarely needs it, but the offer is open-ended because we're confident in the build.
We keep small parts like bearings, seals, and freehub bodies on hand for the components we sell, and we aim to hold stock for as long as we reasonably can because we know our wheels outlast most of what's on the market.
Ready for performance wheels that last?
Tell us what you're riding and what you're after. We'll take it from there.
