Are you ready to learn to hand build your own bicycle wheels?
Maybe you’re already wheel building, but would like some expert advice to step-up to the next level?
Ryan Builds Wheels Wheelbuilding Weekender classes give you the tools, time and access to expert knowledge to build your own set of dream wheels or further explore your existing skillset, whatever your level.
They also make an excellent gift!
We also have gift vouchers, in case you’d like to gift some help with the cost of the wheels they’ll build on the course.
My ‘Wheelbuilding Weekender’ classes are the perfect way to learn how to build your own wheels.
No previous experience is needed. But, if you have it, you’re more than welcome.
You’ll spend two days at the Ryan Builds Wheels workshop in Bristol, learning the process from scratch under my careful supervision. You’ll leave with a truly kick-ass pair of wheels and the confidence and knowledge to go on and build many more in the future.
Spaces are limited to a maximum of four students at a time, ensuring that you each get the attention and space needed.
All the specialist tools you’ll require are right here ready to go and I’ve enough truing stands, tensionometers, spoke keys and more so that each student has their own setup as well as a plethora of specialist equipment for wheelsets that require it. We’re now sponsored by BSC Tools, meaning you’ll have the very best equipment for the job.
Can I Build My Own Wheels On The Course?
Yes! Students are welcome to provide their own parts.
Or we can work together to spec the perfect set of wheels for you and your bike in the weeks leading up to the class. You’ll be in safe hands throughout the whole process and know you’re getting the best set of wheels for you as well as the fulfilling experience of having built them yourself.
What If I Don’t Want To Spend More Money On A Wheel Build?
No problem. You’re welcome to just attend the course and learn to build. In this case, you’ll only pay for the course, with no added costs of components.
This is a great option for anyone that doesn’t want to spend any extra on top of the price of the course. Also great for anyone that’s been gifted a course.
We start at 10am on Saturday, here at my workshop in Bristol with locally sourced pastries, croissants (all vegan friendly), coffee and juices; giving the group the chance to get to know each other and relax before getting down to business!
Two days of full teaching allow plenty of time for each student to craft their own wheels to high standards of tension and true whilst gaining an understanding of the process as a whole. We’ll cover:
- Basics of Wheelbuilding Theory, exploring how the spoked wheel works and how to choose components.
- Spoke Length Calculation.
- Lacing for all the common patterns required to build great wheels.
- Truing stand use, wheel alignment and dishing.
- Spoke Tension Balance.
- Appropriate Stress Relieving techniques.
- PLUS time enough to answer and explore more in depth questions that you’re dying to know!
By the time you leave the RBW workshop you’ll have your very own pair of high tolerance handbuilt hoops ready to take you and your favourite steed on miles upon miles of adventure, complete with the knowledge of how and why they’ve been built the way the have; by you, by hand.
The whole weekend costs £250 per student plus the cost of components (hubs, rims, spokes, anything else you’d like to pick up).
With no need to research, buy and collect all the tools you need, making it an excellent value experience for those that want to D.I.Y. whilst giving you access to my own expert guidance at the same time. Students will also leave with a list of handy resources to help them continue in their journey.
The course is aimed at beginners and novices alike; from those that have never picked up a spanner or lubed their chain up to those looking to improve their existing skill sets or simply know that they’re building wheels to the best standards and practices possible.
If you’ve got any questions or want to know more then GET IN TOUCH!
What Our Students Think
A thoroughly enjoyable weekend spent making some lovely new wheels.
The learning and doing were well-paced and supported by plenty of coffee, tasty pastries and excellent advice from Ryan.
Rachel
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Wheel Building Weekender. A heady cocktail of precision engineering, craftsmanship, performance art and group therapy.
My feedback would be mostly don’t change a thing.
Simon
Ryan doesn’t just build wheels, he builds a passion in his students for doing the same!
AJ
I came to the weekender with some trepidation as I tried to teach myself wheel building before using YouTube… but I could neither get the wheel true or round.
Once I arrived I was impressed by Ryan’s relaxed, almost off-the-wall approach but his workshop wanted for nothing. Add on his undoubted passion for wheel building and “boom!” the weekend passed in flash.
He taught patiently, corrected any mistakes in a non-judgemental way and I was ultimately very happy with the end result!
Tim
