Latest Custom Builds — Classic

Back in the late 00s, DT Swiss opened a new manufacturing facility in Taiwan. All of the best machinery from their Switzerland operation was replicated. However, there were a few teething problems (which are now 100% sorted), particularly with the quality of some raw materials. The R1900 wheelset was an example of this. The DT Swiss Champion plain gauge spokes used were substandard, and micro pitting of the spoke surface would always lead to early spoke breakage. Always. Yes, always. We strongly doubt that many of these fine wheelsets are still rolling in their original state! These wheels were provided...

Rob wanted two pairs of wheels for his touring and commuting bikes. Both needed dynamo hubs on the front, and he wanted utmost reliability for the rear hub. Ideally standard ball bearings and cones, and a steel freehub. The Shutter Precision PD-8 hub fit the dynamo need perfectly. They are inexpensive, robust, and work well. Also well supported here in Australia. The Shimano Deore XT hub is the perfrect rear touring hub. It's very well made, the bearings are beautiful (and easily serviced) and the freehub is steel, so super tough and resistant to the gouging that can occur with...

"Perfect. Exactly what I wanted. Amazing ride quality - like having a new bike. Cant get over how harsh my old wheels were!" Great feedback after Ben's first ride on his new wheels. Ben travels a lot, and needed a reliable light wheelset to travel with. His higher level Fulcrums had proven a little unreliable, and he was never completely happy with the "feel" of them. In particular he was looking for a wheel that was more comfortable to ride. Not needing tubeless, the Hplusson Archetype is a logical choice. At 23mm wide, they work really well with 23 and...

Bob needed a new set of wheels for Ultra Endurance riding. They needed to be light, strong and not too expensive. These days, the hubs are the most expensive part of most builds, so the XLR8 MD hubs fit the bill nicely. They are made in Taiwan by one of the world's largest hub manufacturers, feature ABEC 5 grade Enduro bearings, an alloy freehub, and readily available parts (not that they are often required). For rims, the Nextie classic series offer great value. The 45mm version is very aero, yet still rather light. Tubeless ready, toroidal aero shape, quality high Tg...

John needed some aero wheels in order to keep up with the youngsters he's been riding with. He felt his Dura Ace C24s were just not aero enough. We discussed the many options, and his thinking was that these new wheels might end up as race wheels if they provided enough speed (spoiler: they do!) so he wanted them stiff with a capital "S". The Nextie Classic carbon road rims are the chassis on which to build his hopes; the 45mm and 58mm rims (NXT45RC and 58RC) made sense - great warranty and finish, at a very reasonable price. Super aero...