Salty Wheel Works

Hand built wheels offer a number of benefits over mass production factory wheels and my mission statement is based, broadly, on the premise that hand built wheels deliver on improved  performance without the compromises you get from an off the shelf factory wheel.  In cycling, low weight and durability generally comes at a price but there is a broad range of options, between entry level 'stock' wheels and top performing carbon race wheels, where you can spend a little and gain a lot.  

A set of hand built wheels isn't just an exercise in putting together nice rims, hubs and spokes (although that is important!) and there are many factory wheels out there that can make a decent upgrade for not a lot of money.  However, the fact that most cyclists have broken a spoke, or know of someone, who has done so, highlights that these wheels are often compromised in some way, shape or form (normally a sign that the wheel is under built for the rider and/or deficiencies in the build itself).

From my perspective, the real benefit of a hand built wheel is that it becomes possible to tailor the components and design the wheel in such a way as to get the performance benefits important to the rider whilst keeping an eye on the other equally important factors such as reliability and cost.  Generally, this means using wider, stiffer rims instead of lighter, shallow options; a preference for more, not less when it comes to spokes (20/24 front and rear minimum); readily available J bend spokes in most cases; well sealed, user serviceable hubs.  Contrast this to some factory wheels, where headline figures such as overall weight and aesthetics can be primary drivers, and the value of a good set of hand built wheels becomes evident.