Build Process

Speed Tuned wheels encompasses over 30 years of building with the top brands in the industry to create an unmatched product in terms of the wheel build process. Producing wheels over the years for companies like Ibis Cycles, Santa Cruz Bikes, and Intense Bikes gives us a unique advantage when it comes to the eccentricities of the wheel building process. Simply put, no other builder has built as many wheels as we have with the variety of components that we have in the last 30 years.

What Sets Speed Tuned Apart?

1. Sapim TCS Spokes and Double Square Nipples

Speed Tuned uses a combination of Holland Mechanics Robots and Sapim Spokes with a TCS feature to ensure that there is Zero Spoke Wind-up (ZSW). When building a wheel traditionally, the spoke starts to twist during the tensioning process. There are ways to stress the spokes and back the nipple off slightly to reduce this issue, however with TCS, there is nothing to correct. A pair of TCS gripper hands holds a flat section on the spoke just above the threads ensuring that the spoke does not twist while being tensioned. Because of this we are able to get higher tensions on thin gauge spokes and bladed spokes than can be accomplished by hand building.

Speed Tuned wheels are built with double square nipples which allow a higher tension without the risk of rounding off the nipple flats or damaging the nipple finish. This is especially important when it comes to color nipple options.

2. Pro Tension

Proper spoke tension can make or break a wheel so we take the time to calculate the adequate spoke tension setting for each wheel model we build. We regularly test wheels to make sure proper tension levels are achieved and regularly check our wheels to assure spoke tension variance is low

3. Precision Tolerance

Our wheels are built to the highest standards with as little as 0.2mm (sticker thickness) side deviation on the wheel when finished. Each wheel has a stressing program and tension range designed specifically for it to ensure that they are ready to ride when they leave our facility. Wheels are spot hand checked for spoke tension and defects before being packaged for shipment.