Latest Custom Builds

Matt needed some new disc road wheels for his Surly Singlespeed commuter, seeing some action everyday across the Gold Coast. We discussed a few options, but as is often the case the Hplusson HYDRA came up as the best option. Next, choosing hubs. Matt's had a great history with Hope hubs, and their SS/Trials hub is bombproof, very serviceable, and comes at a good price. It uses a shortened Shimano freehwheel (they call it a "5 speed") so cog selection, procurement and changeover are a doddle. They also come as a bolt up, for added security and confidence in chain tension....

Nick met us on Facebook, and told us of recently upgrading his old Zipp 404 to 11s, only to have the driveside flange break soon after. This is a really common fault with this generation of Zipp wheel. The alloy used in the hub, it's design, and the radial lacing pattern on the driveside all act to accelerate fatigue in the flange. If it hasn't yet happened to your wheel, it's a matter of time. Sorry. We recommended replacing the Zipp 188 hub with an XLR8 MD. These are light, strong and an economical choice. Parts are readily available through us,...

Robbie is well known in the Australian Singlespeed Community. He's an ex Australian National Champ who rides a lot, and hard. He's one of the last 26" stalwarts, but in a recent decision to get a new 29er custom built, he decided to give his old bike a retirement present. His front ENVE MTB wheel had suffered from the usual internal nipple corrosion issues, and a full rebuild was required, rebuilding the beautiful Tune Princess hub back into the hoop. He decided on a whole new hub to replace the ageing Spot SS hub. The White Industries ENO hub is the perfect...

We've known Hugh for years. He and XLR8 have been riding MTB together since Uni. That's coming up on 30 years! He's an experienced campaigner, and having worked in the bike industry for much of his life, he knows his stuff. He also know's how to build wheels, so we were honoured when he asked us to put together his wheel rebuild. Many years ago, he had laced some deep Light Bicycle carbon rims to a Shutter Precision dynamo front hub, and a DT Swiss 180 Ceramic rear hub. These wheels were used for a while on his Kona CX/Gravel...

Being a bespoke wheelbuilder is great fun. We enjoy building up new wheels so that our customers can chase and reach their goals, but really love the challenge of building up something different and fully unique. Gavin needed some wheels for a tandem frame, and decided that the Rohloff nternally geared rear hub was what he wanted. However, he found it hard to find a wheel builder who had experience with these hubs, tandems, and Adventure Racing (the intended usage). XLR8 has plenty of experience with all three. Rohloff hubs require special lacing patterns and spoke specification, tandems require attention...