Wheelbuilder

Wheelbuilder is a craftsman who designs and constructs bicycle wheels by assembling rims, spokes, and hubs. They assess the rider’s needs, riding conditions, and drivetrain and braking systems to produce a wheel with appropriate strength and stiffness. While most often associated with bicycle wheels, the term can also apply to wheelwork for motorcycles or other vehicles in specialty shops.

Core duties include selecting compatible components, calculating spoke lengths, and choosing a lacing pattern. Common patterns include radial, 2-cross, and 3-cross; each affects tension and durability. The builder then threads spokes, mounts nipples, and tunes the wheel on a truing stand to achieve lateral and radial true and proper dish.

Tools and materials include rims, hubs, spokes, nipples, and rim tape. Essential tools are a truing stand, spoke wrench or nipple driver, tension meter, and a dish gauge. Builders may also use spoke calculators to estimate length and target tensions.

Quality wheelbuilding requires even spoke tension, accurate centering, and minimal deviation. A well-built wheel offers predictable handling, braking, and durability, and can be rebuilt or upgraded as components wear. Many wheelbuilders provide custom orders, rebuilds, and performance-focused builds.

Work environments include bicycle shops, racing teams, and independent studios. The craft blends mechanical skill with material knowledge and geometry, and practitioners often specialize in road, mountain, or touring wheel sets.