In 1968, I began building building wheels for what was then known as the Camel AMA Professional Flattrack circuit. Continuing through the 1970’s and 1980’s incredible advances in suspension and engines, into the 1990’s and now into a new century of sophisticated, ultra lightweight, high powered fuel-injected 2 and 4 strokes that place even more demands on the integrity of their wheels. The terrain that riders are able to conquer today punishes spokes wheels much more than in years past. Unfortunately, many riders neglect simple, periodic wheel maintenance and wind up with bent, warped, flat-spotted, and in extreme cases, cracked or shattered hubs, spokes and rims.
So, what does it take to make a quality set of wheels that will survive the abuse (let’s call it what it really is!) that aggressive off-road, motocross, or SuperMoto racers dish out today?
First and foremost, quality components!
The MasterSpokesman builds wheels using DID, Excel, Talon, Kite, Warp9, and Tusk Impact components.
But even the best components if not assembled correctly will not make a solid set of wheels.
Therefore, second, is attention to the little details that only comes from decades of wheel building experience.
Every hub, spoke and rim is inspected for quality. Every spoke thread and nipple receive anti-seize, waterproof grease before assembly.
Every wheel is laced with spokes that are the correct length, bend and thickness to ensure maximum strength possible.
And finally, a precision build that uses dial indicators to minimize the vertical runout of the rim.
MasterSpokesman wheels typically are trued to within twenty thousandths of an inch.
This minimizes the amount of balancing weight needed, and ensures the wheel runs smoothly.
Check back from time to time as I share more details on MasterSpokesman wheel services.