Our Story Part 2

Overview:

Experience: We build the largest variety of bicycle wheels in the world for the most diverse clientele. This gives us a unique perspective into different materials and how to optimize the variety of variables that those combinations pose. We are a small company with only two wheel builders (40 years combined experience) and one office person. However will still manage to produce 4000+ hand-built wheels a year and well over 20000 wheels since our established date of 1997. It is this level of experience that forms ProWheelBuilder.com's foundation.

Inventory: We have the largest selection of bicycle wheel components in the world which consists of, spokes (3 brands 23 models 120k on hand), rims (18 brands 304 models) and hubs (24 brands 780 models). This gives us the ability to construct any wheel configuration a customer can imagine and helps reduce lead time. This results in you getting exactly what you want in the shortest period of time.

Custom Wheels: We have created our Custom Wheel Program which takes into consideration your body weight, intended use and strength of the components you are selecting to help you with recommendations. This insures that the wheel you are receiving from us is purpose built for your needs.

Tooling: As with any endeavor having the right tools and more importantly knowing how to use those tools is a critical part to any job. We use only the best wheel building tools however we create some of the finest wheel building tools as well. Below is a list of some those tools:

PWB ERD measuring tool: ERD's (Effective Rim Diameter's) can vary due to rim extrusions wearing out as well as milling tool wear which forms the counter sink the nipples rest in. Our ERD tool allows us to quickly and accurately verify the ERD of every wheel we build which helps insure the spoke length will always be optimal.
PWB Spoke Calculator: Our custom made spoke calculation program helps us determine ideal spoke tensions based on angle of attacks, rider weight and rim depths. This program also adds length to the spokes insuring the thread interface with the nipple is greater than the industry norm resulting in a stronger wheel.
Spoke Cutting Tool: We utilize the Phil Wood spoke cutting tool which cuts the spoke and then rolls the threads (just like the manufacture). This process results in a thread that is just as strong as the manufactures and allows us to build wheels to an an exacting standard by insuring the optimal spoke length is utilized.
PWB wheel building jig: We created a jib that holds the rim, hub and spokes in a static configuration. This aids in preventing damage to components during the lacing process and makes the wheel lacing process more efficient.
Spoke Tensiometer: By using one of 3 spoke tensiometers (DT Swiss, Wheel Fanatyk and Park) we are able to build evenly tensioned wheels which results in greater durability and reduced up keep. Why three different spoke tensiometers you might ask, while these devises rely on a calibrated spring to derive there measurement the speed in which the trigger is released can also affect the reading. By periodically changing spoke tensiometers we insure that technique has less effect on the resulting measurement.
PWB Tensiometer calibration tool: As mentioned above spoke tensiometers rely on a carefully calibrated spring. This spring requires calibration periodically. We have built a gauge which has been tensioned to 120 kgf and allows us to verify and maintain our tensiometers.

Attention To Detail / Quality Control: Over the years we have established standards which applies to every wheel we build. It is PWB's goal to make sure that 100% of what leaves our facility meets everyone of these standards resulting in the best wheel you could own. 

Rider Variable Consideration: Body Weight and Intended Use.
Build Consideration: Components and Lacing Patterns.
Product Inspection: Visually inspecting rims and hubs for any damage or irregularities.
Spoke Orientation: Pushing and Pulling spokes are set in proper direction along with Mirroring spokes patterns.
Spoke Bedding: Making sure the spoke makes full contact with hub flange.
Wheel Stressing: Removing all unnecessary bends from spokes and removing spoke wind up.
Spoke Length: Making sure the spoke is fully engaging the head of the nipple above the rim wall.
Spoke Tension: Verifying that pre determined tension is met after wheel stressing has been completed along with tension symmetry.
Tools and Calibration: Spoke Tensiometer and Calibration tool, Custom ERD tool, Spoke Threader and dies, Dishing tools, Custom Wheel Building Program & Spoke Calculator 

Customer Tested & Proven: Our customers range from the 400lb novice to the 130lb Pro and cover all disciplines i.e. MTB (of all types), Road, Triathlon, Track, Tandem, Cyclo Cross/Gravel and Touring/Commuter. Most our customers have come to us seeking either increased durability, lowered weight, greater aerodynamics and or increased strength. In most cases we have succeed in meeting and exceeding our customers goals in which case this is reflected in countless emails, positive feedback in forums/blogs and our testimonials page which can be viewed here.

Diversity: In having hand built well over 20,000 wheels since 1997, we have managed to lay hands on the widest variety of wheel components. Unlike those that deal in a handful of products or a limited class of wheels, we have developed a unique 

Hand Built Difference: Machine versus Human