Latest Custom Builds

Dylan's Replacement Gravel Grinder Wheel

Cyclocross Gravel Sapim Wheel Builds Wheel Repairs XLR8 Hubs

Dylan's Replacement Gravel Grinder Wheel

We heard from Dylan after an unfortunate accident where he managed to bend the IS 6 bolt rotor mounts on his front hub of his Polygon Bend gravel rig. Polygon were unable to supply a new hub, but we came to the rescue with a quality Bitex BX201FG Centrelock replacement. A step up in quality, and a handy reduction in weight. He chose Centrelock for the replacement as he already had a spare rotor to suit that standard. We laced his original rim onto this new hub with Sapim Race spokes and Dylan was riding again in no time.

Read more →


Steve's Tough New Carbon Road Wheels

Carbon Sapim TT and Triathlon Tubeless Wheel Builds XLR8 Hubs XLR8 Rims

Steve's Tough New Carbon Road Wheels

We’ve known Steve since the turn off the century when both he and XLR8 worked as bike messengers in Sydney. He’s a big unit and got in contact to discuss some new carbon hoops for his road bike, to service him on the rural roads of mid western New South Wales.Those roads are somewhere between awful and terrible, and Steve wanted a shallow depth carbon wheel that would still be stiff to accomodate his considerable power output. Having owned a retail bike store, and currently working as a mobile mechanic, he knows his stuff but appreciated our spec advice.Bigger guys...

Read more →


Scott's Big FAT Heavy Hitters - Nextie and Project321

27.5" All Mountain Carbon Enduro Nextie Project321 Wheel Builds

Scott's Big FAT Heavy Hitters - Nextie and Project321

XLR8 rides with Scott whenever on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where the trails are rocky, steep and very technical. Scott really wanted a lighter set of hoops for his 27.5+ Rocky Mountain - but they also had to be stiffer and lighter than the alloy hoops that came with the bike.Being a bit of a gear smasher, and not one for doing much maintenance, Project321 hubs are a wise choice. They are super tough, ultra reliable and have the fastest engagement he required for steep step ups and rock slabs. Even in black (they come in a wide array of cool...

Read more →


Ben's Paul Components hubs on Nextie Carbon XC rms

27.5" Carbon Classic Nextie Sapim Wheel Builds

Ben's Paul Components hubs on Nextie Carbon XC rms

Ben is another ex bicycle courier (messenger) who XLR8 worked with in a past life. We remember he was always a big fan of Paul Components hubs, and when he ordered a new Singlespeed frame, they were a given. He came to use for advice on a solid carbon 27.5" wheel build. Light, but not too light. Wide, but not too wide (he wanted to keep the bike spritely), at reasonable price and with good warranty. We suggested Nextie Classic XC rims with a 25mm internal width. These work well with narrower tyres, and are super light and stiff. They'll bag...

Read more →


David's Purple Project 321 SuperBoost on Spank Oozy Trail 350 rims

29er All Mountain Enduro Project321 Sapim Spank Tubeless Wheel Builds

David's Purple Project 321 SuperBoost on Spank Oozy Trail 350 rims

David needed a tricky new wheelset for his Pivot 459. It uses a SuperBoost rear axle setup, so Project 321 hubs were the logical choice. They are beautifully machined out of top quality alloys, house excellent bearings, and have 216 points of engagement. And they come in Purple! David was keen on a premium alloy rim, so we recommended the Spank Oozy Trail 350. This is an updated version of their older 345 rim, that is a tiny bit wider, and a bit lighter. Tough and look great as well. David is fairly light and a smooth rider, so in...

Read more →