RyanBuildsWheels has been in business since 2014 but, in truth, I’ve been building wheels for way longer.

What started as a passion grew into a profession. Starting during my squatting years with a spoke key, and a desire to have wheels for hefty touring whilst on a budget, the joy I found in that first set  was nurtured in some of the best bike shops in Bristol and finally took on a life of its own.  

Over the years the business grew and changed and what started as a one person operation grew into a workers co-operative employing up to five people during our busiest periods; a time I look back on fondly.

My Youtube Channel launched after the Covid years and in 2023 RyanBuildsWheels became the official UK Distributor for Velocity USA bicycle rims.

In 2024 having been diagnosed with ADHD I took the decision to make some big changes and moved to Pontypridd, in the South Welsh Valley’s where I also teach the craft to others.  Now operating solo again I’m breathing fresh life into my passion for wheels and the change that they can bring with an eye to expanding the operation once more.

As a proudly queer, neuro-diverse, business owner from a working class background I’m honoured by the opportunity that wheelbuilding has given me: I welcome you to share in that journey too.

RyanBuildsWheels: Lovingly Laced, Obsessively Perfect. Always Radical.

I believe that exceptional wheels make exceptional bicycles. 

With a little bit of time, care and knowledge you can transform a bike beyond the ‘off-the-peg’ and beyond the ordinary.

Expertly built, bespoke, hand-built bicycle wheels can last a lifetime, can help you to ride further and faster and improve your experience on two wheels.

I started RyanBuildsWheels because I saw a need for high quality, hand-built and custom bicycle wheels. Bespoke bike wheels that are perfectly matched to bicycle, terrain and rider and built to exacting tolerances with the very best equipment. Wheels that can survive everything you throw at them, be it a round-the-world adventure, your next sportive, a season of mountain bike racing or simply the relentless abuses of the daily commute.

Offering much more than just hand-built bicycle wheels, I also provide wheel building tools and accessories, undertake tubeless wheel setup, teach wheel building through my Wheelbuilding Weekenders and undertake servicing on my customer’s wheels.

In 2018 I launched SpokesFromRyan, offering a huge range of custom cut spokes to both the trade and public alike. My best friend and business partner Pete is now the man behind the wheel for SpokesFromRyan and will shortly take full control of the operation as BristolSpokeCo.

I also now offer my own range of ready to roll, hand-built wheels for road, off-road and utility bikes. This collection brings together our very favourite components to create wheels that offer all the benefits of custom without the added cost of going fully bespoke. You can visit the RyanBuildsWheels online shop for those