I don’t sell wheels.
I build them for you.

Your wheel builder. Since 2015.

Every build starts with a conversation, because the right wheelset depends on your bike, your weight, your riding style, and where you ride the most.
I’ve been getting this right since 2015.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Google Reviews rating

Click to see our most recent builds ↓

Built for how you ride.

Stock wheels are built to a price point. I build wheels to a rider.

Since 2015 I’ve built high-performance wheelsets for South Africa’s most serious cyclists — road racers, endurance gravel riders, trail and enduro MTB riders, and e-bike adventurers who put real mileage on their equipment.

Every build is hand-assembled one at a time. Rims, hubs, spokes, and lacing pattern are chosen specifically for your weight, your discipline, and the conditions you ride in most.

Lead time is 1–6 weeks depending on components. I’ll tell you exactly what to expect before you commit.

What you’re really choosing between

A new bike in the same performance bracket as a custom wheelset will cost two to three times more, and it’ll come with stock wheels worth a fraction of what you’re paying for the whole package.

Custom wheels transform the bike you already love. They’re built to outlast multiple frames. And they come with a lifetime warranty on workmanship, spokes, and nipples — something no bike shop will offer you.

If you’re serious about your riding, this is where the money goes.

What the riders say

5.0
Based on 27 reviews
powered by Google
Günther Crous
Günther Crous
11:07 24 Sep 25
10/10!
Greg Perry
Greg Perry
12:50 02 Sep 25
I ordered a new set of Nextie Alpha 50 road wheels through the Wheelbuilder. The wheelset arrived last week and I took them for a spin over the weekend. I have upgraded from DT Swiss R470 wheels. The difference between the two is light and day - I should have done this upgrade long ago. The wheels sound great on the road and the Rollinstar II hubs pay music! The wheels are noticeably faster on flats and downhills, and they seem to love riding in the peleton. My riding buddies are properly jealous.Dealing with Nic was an absolute pleasure - he is professional, gave me great advice and kept me informed throughout the build process.
Kirchaganga
Kirchaganga
16:10 29 Jan 25
Went out of his way to help me. Super quick and helpful service.
Jamie Peers
Jamie Peers
09:26 24 Jan 25
Found the service online, and thank goodness I did. Great advice, excellent response times, and just a great guy with whom to work. Easy to send images on WhatsApp, get feedback, and understand next steps. Really appreciate finding good service now days when it is so often hard to come by!
Devon Du Plessis
Devon Du Plessis
03:37 27 Nov 24
Friendly service and awesome advice. Wheel builder was extremely hulpful helping me find some wheels
Richard Goussard
Richard Goussard
14:34 06 Nov 24
Wheels built and delivered exactly as promised, and very quickly too.
John Kosmetos
John Kosmetos
11:38 02 Aug 24
Hands down, the best wheel builder in SA! From concept all the way through to final product, Nicholas was hands on, patient, and very professional. I'll definitely be making use of his services again, couldn't be happier with my new wheels.
Neil McMaster
Neil McMaster
07:52 02 Aug 24
Great experience in the entire process of getting my wheelset built, through and by Nicholas. From conception to receiving your new wheels, the advice given on the many choices available on the components and the after sales support provided by Nicholas, was an awesome experience. I am ecstatic. Awesome.
Jared Hinde
Jared Hinde
11:56 05 Feb 24
Nich has built up two sets of wheels for me. Super reliable and incredibly professional. He was also able to assist with some after sales support for me with a cracked rim. Would highly recommend.
Andre Uys
Andre Uys
07:22 16 Jan 24
Very happy with my new wheel and had the beste service ever
Botmas Eldo
Botmas Eldo
10:23 14 Dec 23
Second wheel that Nicholas has built for me in a few years and I cant be more happy with his exceptional service once again. Money well spent!
Kim White
Kim White
18:11 03 Dec 23
The EMTB Wheelset Nick built felt amazing on their first day out hitting the downhill line at Fort Klapperkop.
Wouter van der berg
Wouter van der berg
15:35 01 Nov 23
Very happy how smooth everything went. Nicolas was very helpful and gave awesome service. Great product.
Andy Robertson
Andy Robertson
13:32 23 Sep 23
Second set of wheels I have had done with Nicholas - a set of BladeX Chinese Road wheels which are still perfect 5 years down the line, and now a set of Roval MTB wheels which are without doubt built better than when they came from the factory. I even chose to send them down to him from Gauteng because I knew that just replacing one spoke and a few nipples like was suggested by our LBS wasn't going to last. You want your wheels done properly and to have confidence to blast down the hills knowing they won't fail. Highly recommend you have your wheels done with Wheelbuilder.
Mark Wild
Mark Wild
08:06 17 Jul 23
Beyond all expectations ! From initial exchanges about what to build, to receiving the finished wheels it was great dealing with Nicholas - he was happy to go into detail about choices and I was informed of progress all along the way. Given that I'd never had hand-built wheels or carbon rims before and I was dealing with someone who's not in the same city, I was a little nervous going in....but it was a great decision !! To say this gravel wheelset has transformed my bicycle would be an understatement....not only have they knocked off nearly 700 grams of rotating weight but the #nextie carbon hoops dampen road buzz and make the steel frame even more comfortable. TLDR : I'm a very satisfied customer, thanks Nicholas (two thumbs up)
Willie Crous
Willie Crous
06:01 28 Jun 23
Dear Nicholas,I wanted to take a moment to write this Google review and express my heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding service you provided as a wheelbuilder. I can confidently say that the upgrade you performed on my mountain bike has been nothing short of exceptional - it's truly the best upgrade I have ever experienced!Despite the challenging weather conditions in the Western Cape, with rain making the riding trails quite difficult, I have still been able to notice a remarkable difference in my bike's performance. Your expertise and craftsmanship have made a significant impact, and I couldn't be happier with the results.Once again, thank you for your exceptional service, attention to detail, and dedication to ensuring your customers receive the best experience possible. I am beyond satisfied with your work and would highly recommend your services to anyone seeking a top-notch wheelbuilder.Wishing you continued success and all the best in your future endeavors.Warm regards,Willie Crous
Justin George Leslie
Justin George Leslie
12:22 09 Nov 22
Nicholas was friendly from the get go, with a no nonsense approach we quickly established what type of wheel I was looking for and what my options where according to my budget. He was open and honest with no hidden costs.It took just over a week to build the wheels and send them to me & was also kind enough to source a set of tyres for me.No hassles & no fuss. Great service with a solid product when stock is hard to come by!
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The only warranty of its kind

Every wheel I build carries a lifetime warranty on the workmanship and all spokes and nipples — regardless of brand or build spec.

Not a 12-month warranty. Not a limited warranty. Lifetime.

If something goes wrong with how the wheel was built, I fix it. No runaround, no third party, no fine print. Just me.

Brands

The best components. No compromise.

I specify components based on what will actually perform best for your weight, your riding style, and your budget.

Not what I have in stock.

I work with Hope, DT Swiss, Sapim, Pillar, Nextie, Industry Nine, and others. Every combination is chosen, not defaulted.

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