Business Details
12 Years
experience
Custom Hand-Built Bicycle Wheels in South Wales
We have operated as RyanBuildsWheels since 2014, building on many earlier years of personal wheelbuilding experience. We began as a oneperson operation during our squatting years, crafting affordable touring wheels with a simple spoke key. We expanded into a workers cooperative, employing up to five staff during peak periods and refining our production standards. We became the official UK distributor for Velocity USA rims in 2023, enhancing our component range with premium options. We pioneered customcut spokes via mailorder in 2018, establishing a niche service now adopted by other retailers. We teach wheelbuilding through weekend courses, passing our expertise to cyclists of all abilities.We design and handbuild bespoke wheels for road, offroad and allroad bicycles, selecting the finest rims, hubs and spokes. We guarantee that our wheels are built to exacting tolerances, delivering durability that can last a lifetime. We provide professional tubeless conversion and comprehensive wheel servicing to maintain peak performance. We operate from our workshop in Pontypridd, South Wales, and ship nationwide, ensuring personal consultation for every client. We are committed to inclusive, neurodiverse entrepreneurship, delivering radical, highquality wheels that transform the riding experience.
Services
Custom Wheelbuilding
Wheel Servicing
Wheelbuilding Courses
Spoke Sales
Ready-to-Roll Wheels
Tubeless Conversions
Component Supply
Wheel Repairs
Tension Balancing
Crash Replacement
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We have been building wheels since 2014.
- Our wheels are the official Velocity USA UK distributor.
- We pioneered custom cut spokes via mail order in 2018.
- Our teaching courses empower riders to build their own wheels.
- We guarantee handbuilt wheels last a lifetime with precise tolerances.
What people say
Exceptional quality
Lifetime durability
Expert craftsmanship
Attentive service
Knowledgeable instruction
Services
Custom Wheels
We handbuild bespoke bicycle wheels tailored to road, offroad and allroad use. By selecting premium rims, hubs and spokes and applying exacting tolerances, we create wheelsets that match each riders style, terrain and budget. The result is a durable, highperformance wheel that can endure long tours, races or daily commuting.
Wheel Tools
We supply a curated range of professional wheelbuilding tools and accessories sourced from leading manufacturers. Each item, from spoke tensioners to truing stands, is chosen for durability and precision to support both novices and seasoned builders. Our customers receive comprehensive guidance to ensure optimal use and longlasting results.
Tubeless Conversion
We perform professional tubeless wheel setups for road, mountain and utility bikes. Using sealed rim technology and highquality sealants, we eliminate punctures and reduce rolling resistance for smoother rides. The conversion extends tyre life and provides riders with reliable performance in all conditions.
Wheelbuilding Courses
We run weekend wheelbuilding workshops that teach participants the full craft from lacing to tensioning. Courses cater to cyclists of all skill levels, providing handson experience with premium components and personalised feedback. Graduates leave capable of building and maintaining their own wheels, enhancing confidence and bike performance.
Wheel Servicing
We offer comprehensive wheel servicing, including truing, bearing overhaul and spoke replacement. Our skilled technicians assess each wheels condition and apply precise adjustments to restore optimal balance and durability. Regular maintenance prolongs wheel lifespan, ensuring safe and efficient riding for everyday commuters and competitive athletes alike.
People
Ryan
Founder & Wheelbuilder
Professional wheelbuilder since 2014 with prior experience in Bristol bike shops. Specialises in custom wheel design and education. Diagnosed with ADHD in 2024, now operating solo in South Wales while teaching wheelbuilding skills to others.
Questions
What makes custom wheels better than off-the-shelf options?
Custom wheels are precisely engineered for your weight, riding style, and terrain. They use higher-quality components and construction techniques that improve durability, performance, and ride quality compared to mass-produced alternatives.
How long does a custom wheel build take?
The build process typically takes 1-2 weeks after component selection. This includes consultation, sourcing parts, and meticulous construction. Urgent builds may be possible with prior arrangement and availability of components.
Do you service wheels built elsewhere?
We only offer servicing on wheels originally built by RyanBuildsWheels. For other wheelsets, we recommend supporting your local bike shop while we focus on maintaining our own high standards.
What's included in the wheelbuilding course?
The course covers component selection, spoke calculation, lacing patterns, truing, and tensioning. Includes use of professional tools, materials for one wheel build, and comprehensive resource guides for future reference.
How does the lifetime guarantee work?
Our guarantee covers spoke breakage and trueness for the wheel's lifetime under normal use. Claims require email contact first, with return postage covered for UK customers. Excludes damage from crashes or component wear.
Can I supply my own components?
Yes, but a £5 surcharge applies per wheel when both hub and rim are customer-supplied. We recommend professional assembly to ensure proper tensioning and compatibility, which affects warranty coverage.
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