Important note before I start; you can still order kickass handbuilt wheels from me; it’s just my fully custom offerings that are paused. Check out my range of Ready to Roll Wheels and feel free to get in touch with any questions before hitting ‘order!’ Let’s ride!
I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I’m the quirky type ;-). I’m also exhausted, have just moved my entire personal and professional life to South Wales, and am learning new things about myself, my needs, and the boundaries I need to set myself to be a happy, productive and not burnt out wheelbuilding legend.
Let’s start with the easy bits:
- RyanBuildsWheels has left Bristol! After 17 happy years you can now find me operating out of my new unit in Tonyrefail, Rhonnda Cynon Taf. South Wales.
- SpokesFromRyan continues for all your trade and public custom cut spokes needs and will soon change names to BristolSpokeCo; it’s operation and ownership is being handed entirely over to it’s staff with no further involvement from me.
- My old location in Bristol is now home to local bike shop SW Cycles and the famous ShutUpAndRide for MTB and suspension servicing.
- My custom order books are temporarily closed. You can still visit the SHOP and order from there!
In August of last year I also discovered I have ADHD and the impact of this can’t be overstated. I’m still processing many emotions; grief and anger, joy and curiosity, absolute exhaustion! I’m a tad burnt out!
But this doesn’t mean I’m not excited; just look at that new space full of potential; an empty canvas! Here’s what going to happen:
- I’ll be taking time to fit it out fully. You can follow along on the Youtube Channel and Insta.
- This will allow me to re-launch my exceptionally popular teaching and tuition offerings with new dates being announced soon (keep your eyes peeled).
- Further space and time will be dedicated to my role as UK Distributor for VelocityUSA rims.
- Some much needed administrative ‘housework’, launch new Ready to Roll wheelsets that are easier to accesss and competively priced.
- Re-coup energy to work on creative projects and tuition (where I’ll tell you more about ADHD and more)!
- Come back more sustainable than ever!
I’ll also be taking time to access an excellent ADHD Coach that I’ve started working with (like a Therapist/Business Coach for neurodiverse people) as well as accessing nature more; my commute to work lies on Route 4 of the National Cycle Network and I’m so stoked to be back on my bike. All this aimed at getting healthier across the spectrum (no neuro-spicy pun intended…).
Where and how to leave this then? RyanBuildsWheels is now over a decade old and it continues to be one of the best decisons I’ve ever made having started out in 2014 when I left a kickass DIY punk bike cafe and venue I helped found in Bristol (sadly no longer). It’s been a TRIP thus far and I’m looking forward to continuing it but with new found knowledge of self and knowing that it’s going to continue being a journey (although, under capitalism does the struggle ever end…?).
I’d like to talk so much more about ADHD and more in the future and – just like my queerness -want to use my position within the industry to be a force for visibility, support and advocacy; if you’re reading this as a fellow neuro-spicy type then welcome; this is a home for us as well as riders of all stripes; handbuilt wheels for the masses I say!
Stay tuned for information on when the custom order books re-open; and if you’d like to support me further whilst gaining access to a range of perks, exclusive videos and live AMA sessions head on over to Patreon HERE; it’s only £3.50 a month ;-).
Peace and Bike Grease, Ryan(BuildsWheels!)
