Tech / FAQ

Handspun Build Specs

  • All Handspun wheels are built to a minimum average tension of 100-120kgf (1000-1200N), depending on the components used. Tensions are verified with DT Swiss Tensiometers
  • We stress-relieve wheels during the build process to ensure they're ready to ride, right out of the box
  • Wheels are trued to within 0.15mm of variance both laterally and radially
  • Wheels are dished to virtually zero tolerance
  • Handspun wheels feature DT Swiss spokes and nipples

DT Swiss spokes

  • Champion- The gold standard for ease of building, durability and affordability
  • Competition- When strength, weight and cost are all priorities, the Competition is difficult to beat. Handspun uses the Competition spoke more than any other spoke in our production line.
  • Supercomp- An excellent lightweight alternative that retains durability and strength. The Supercomp is a great option for a lightweight disc brake wheel. Supercomps use a 1.8mm nipple.
  • Revolution- DT's featherweight spoke, the Revolution works best on wheels without dish. Not recommended for use on disc wheels due to the lighter weight construction.
  • Aerolite- Light weight, high strength, and aerodynamics all in one package. The Aerolite is common on many high end race wheels due to its durability and the fact that it can be brought up to very high tensions.

Specialty Services

Tie & solder - We can tie & solder your production or custom wheels to add strength and stiffness
Drop ship hubs/rims - We can build on your gently used hubs or rims for a small additional charge:

  • Please disassemble the wheel prior to shipping, and remove freewheel/cassette
  • Please do not send skewers
  • We reserve the right to deny a build based on the hub/rim type or condition
Specialty Lacing - patterns such as twist lacing, leading/trailing, and crow's foot are options available in our custom wheel program

Handspun Tech Tips

Our builders have been producing hundreds of thousands of top quality, hand finished wheels for over a decade, and with that kind of experience you tend to learn a few things about what works well and what doesn’t. Here are a few suggestions based on our observations over the years:

Technical Notes

    Technical Notes
  • We have found that 3x works best for disc brake applications
  • We do not recommend radial lacing any disc brake wheels
  • Anodized nipples on rims without eyelets are subject to scratching
  • 2x lacing pattern works very well on 20-hole & 24-hole wheels
  • 4x lacing pattern works very well on 40-hole & 48-hole wheels
  • Radial lacing voids all warranties on some hubs