April Handbuilt Wheels Workshop with Ben Rainbow
Upgrade your bike with a new set of handbuilt wheels! In this two-day workshop, Seattle's wheel wizard Ben Rainbow will guide you through the art and process of creating custom wheels tailored to your needs. Learn how to select components, prep, lace, and properly tension your wheelset. We'll also cover mounting tubeless tires, so you can hit the road with confidence.
Handbuilt Wheels Workshop with Ben Rainbow
Additional Information
A wheels upgrade is the best upgrade you can make for your bike. From lighter & wider rims, smoother & faster engaging hubs, and durable & lightweight spokes, you can elevate the ride quality and performance of your trusty two-wheeler.
Workshop Details
Seattle’s Wheel Wizard, Ben Rainbow, is excited to take you through the art and processes involved in creating your own set of handbuilt wheels tailored to the demands you put on your bike. Using his experience building up 100’s upon 100’s of custom wheels, Ben will guide you through selecting components, prepping, lacing, and properly tensioning your wheel set in this two-day, hands-on workshop. You can also learn how to mount tubeless tires and gain valuable knowledge for maintaining your wheels for peak performance and adventure.
Workshop Activities
* Consult with Ben to select the best wheel components (hubs, rims, spokes) for your riding style and budget. Order parts through the workshop and save 10%!
* Learn the mechanics and differences between hubs and understand how to choose the best wheels for you and your bike.
* Understand the physics of spoke tension, spoke lacing patterns, spoke & spoke nipple preparations, and how to ensure the longest possible service life from your new wheels.
* Gain knowledge on how to best maintain your wheels and tips on field maintenance and troubleshooting.
* Option to set up new tubeless tires & fully install wheels on your bike.
Workshop Logistics
Class size is limited to 4-5 people. After registration, Ben will contact you to discuss the wheels you want to build. We will order any needed parts (hubs, spokes, rims, tires, rotors, valves, sealant, etc., pending availability) or you can source your own. We typically use 32-hole & 28-hole hub/rims, using J-bend spokes & brass nipples, but we can discuss other options during consultation.
We’ll set up in the lower cafe section of the Rapha Seattle Clubhouse and use that space to learn, lace up, true & tension your wheels to completion.
Tubeless tire mounting can be done either at the end of day 2, or we can schedule install time on the next day/Friday.
Schedule and Cost
Workshops are scheduled for April 16-17 and May 14-15, from 4:30-9 pm. The workshop cost is $300 per person, or $350 per person including tire mounting and installation.
Cost of workshop does not include purchase of wheel components (i.e. hubs, hoops, spokes, etc.) Consult with Ben to select the best wheel components prior to the workshop & order parts through the workshop to save 10%!
Beverages and light refreshments will be provided.
Registration
To reserve your spot, complete the registration form and send a 50% deposit to Ben Rainbow via Venmo or PayPal. Ben will contact you after receiving your deposit to begin the consultation process.
PayPal: @BenjaminRainbow
Venmo: @Benjamin-Rainbow
Contact
For questions, contact Ben (bens.rainbow@gmail.com) or Jack (jack.brace@rapha.cc).