With the SingleSpeed National titles coming up in a few weeks, our head wheelbuilder Josh decided a set of wheels might get him motivated to ride his onespeed, and get ready for the event.
Those who are into SingleSpeed racing will know that it’s not just grinding trails in one gear that racers have to endure, but the notorious “short cut” each lap. What’s so notorious about the short cut? Well, given that the toll is having to drink a can of beer, after 4 or more laps (and short cuts) SingleSpeed racing can become quite an “endurance event”!
Josh reckons he’s not fast enough to win it this year, but after seeing his new hoops come together, he’s pretty confident that he’s got second place in the bag.
When asked why he still rides 26″ wheels, Josh remarked “I never stopped having fun on my Santa Cruz Chameleon – it’s the best hardtail I ever ridden; and bigger wheels do tend to kill the fun a bit”. Having 26″, 650b and 29ers in the XLR8 stable, we agree. 26″ wheels are still fun on the trail, even if the bigger wheel sizes do suit certain disciplines and trails.
Being a self confessed “stiffness junkie”, Josh naturally selected Stan’s Flow EX rims, for their generous width, reasonable weight, and bombproof reliability.
A Stan’s 3.30 QR15 front hub was selected – they’re super light, and take a beating. On the rear Josh used a new old stock WTB LaserDisc Single Duty SingleSpeed specific hub. It’s unfortunately that WTB no longer sell these – as they are tough as nails, a great design, and weigh in nice and light.
Of course, Sapim Race double butted spokes were specced, for reliability and to keep the weight down; in black – because black is cool!
Sapim alloy nipples were used on the front wheel, and brass on the back – for that little bit of added reliability on a wheel Josh is planning on thrashing!