Are you wheelbuilding curious?
Are you ready to learn to hand build your own bicycle wheels?
Or maybe you’re already wheel building, but would like some expert advice to step-up to the next level?
I’m pleased to offer some dates for the 2025 Wheelbuilding Weekenders — two days of exceptional expert tuition to build your own set of dream wheels or further explore your existing skillset, whatever your level.
You’ll spend two days at the RBW workshop in the sunny* South Wales valleys, with a maximum of three other students, learning the craft of wheelbuilding. (*may not be sunny, it is South Wales, after all)
Our courses are usually fully booked, so get in there to secure your place.
This summer, I’m running wheelbuilding weekenders specficially for folks of the LGBTQIA+ community: a safer space to come together, chat, build wheels and learn new skills. If you are wondering why a queer only space is important and vital, here’s a explainer from the good people of Sein in Glasgow). These will be run on 7th-8th June and also October 2025 (date tbc).
I also have gift vouchers available in case you are feeling generous and would like to gift a course to someone in your life.
By arrangement, I offer bespoke one-to-one tuition days by arrangement: these sessions are always during weekdays, last for one day and cover the same syllabus as the two-day course.
Course dates:
As a special treat, the 3rd – 4th May 2025 wheelbuilding course is £50 off! Book here!
7th – 8th June (LGBTQIA+ only)
The fine details:
No previous experience of wheelbuilding is needed.
You’ll learn on site at the Ryan Builds Wheels workshop in Tonyrefail, South Wales, learning the process under my careful supervision. You’ll leave with a truly kick-ass pair of wheels as well as the confidence and knowledge to go on and build many more in the future.
For the weekenders, spaces are limited to a maximum of four students at a time, ensuring that you each get the attention and space needed over the two days. Courses start at 10am and end at around 5-6pm, on both Saturday and Sunday. We kick off with locally sourced pastries and 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!
All the specialist tools you’ll require are right here ready to go: 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.
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 wheelbuild, and just want to learn?
No problem. You’re welcome to just attend the course and learn to build using our stock. 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.
What’s the syllabus?
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.
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.
And what if….?
If you’ve got any questions or want to know more then GET IN TOUCH!
