Bike service · MTB Evolution
Custom Wheel Building
Custom wheel building at the MTB Evolution workshop in Istočno Sarajevo: we choose the hub, rim and spokes for your riding, calculate the spoke length and tension the spokes with a tension meter. Building and truing a wheel costs 50 KM, and components are charged separately.
Mon–Sat
8:00 – 19:00
50 KM
wheel build and truing
5.0
103 Google reviews
Overview
What custom wheel building includes
We choose the components, calculate spoke length, build and tension the wheel and finish by truing it. Here is the whole process at a glance, with every step explained in detail below.
01
Booking a slot
02
Bike drop-off
03
Choosing components
04
Calculating spoke length
05
Lacing and tensioning
06
Final check and pick-up
01
Booking a slot
Get in touch by phone, Viber, WhatsApp or through the booking form. Tell us what discipline the wheels are for (XC, enduro, DH, gravel), your riding weight and whether you have your own parts. We recommend booking to avoid waiting.
4 ways to get in touch
02
Bike drop-off
You bring the bike to the workshop. Together we go through the problem you reported, and we note the condition of the bike before anything is touched.
Drop-off at the workshop
03
Choosing components
The hub, rim, spokes and nipples are chosen as one set. We look at the hub flanges, the inner width of the rim and the material (aluminum or carbon) based on the weight and strength you want.
Estimate before work
Can I bring my own parts?
Yes, you can bring your own hubs or rims. Before starting, we inspect them to make sure they are in good condition and compatible. A general overview of wheel construction is on Wikipedia.
04
Calculating spoke length
We calculate spoke length with specialized software from the ERD, OLD, flange dimensions and lacing pattern, so the nipple thread sits exactly inside the rim. For enduro and DH we recommend a 3-cross pattern.
Calculated, not guessed
28 or 32 spokes?
It depends on your weight and riding style. 32 spokes are the standard for reliability and heavier riders, while 28 spokes suit lighter XC wheels. To true an existing wheel, see wheels and truing.
05
Lacing and tensioning
We tension the spokes in several stages and measure each spoke with a tension meter, with variation within 5%. Then we stress the wheel so the spokes seat in the hub flanges and the rim and do not loosen after the first rides.
Work done by procedure
06
Final check and pick-up
Before handing the bike back, we true the wheel and check the tension. We warrant the building service, covering truing and spoke stability, but not mechanical damage from impacts.
Final check
Book a service →
Price
How much does custom wheel building cost?
Prices are for labor, as listed in the workshop price list. Components (hub, rim, spokes) are charged separately, and you get an exact quote before any work begins.
50 KM
Wheel build and truing
Labor for building one wheel, including truing. The price of components depends on your choice.
3 to 5 days
Build time
A build usually takes 3 to 5 working days, provided all components are in stock.
You get the exact price for labor and materials after the inspection, before any work begins. Work starts only after you confirm, and if the estimate changes, we let you know before continuing.
Services
Related workshop services
Wheel building often goes together with a tubeless setup, wheel truing or a basic service. Choose the service that fits your bike, check the bike service price list and see what exactly it includes.
Minor (basic) service
Derailleur and brake adjustment, chain, wheels, tire pressure and a quick frame inspection.
Learn more →
Major service
Complete disassembly, cleaning, replacement of wear parts, wheel truing and bearing check.
Learn more →
Brake service
Bleeding, fresh brake fluid, pads, rotors and cleaning of the caliper pistons.
Learn more →
E-bike diagnostics
Bosch Diagnostic Tool 3 and Shimano E-Tube Professional: error readout, software updates, battery health.
Learn more →
Washing and detailing
Hand wash, drivetrain cleaning, lubrication and a protective coating for the frame.
Learn more →
Wheel service
Wheel truing, tire replacement and bearing service.
Learn more →
Suspension service
Fork and shock service, oil replacement and setup.
Learn more →
Tubeless system
Installation and maintenance of tubeless systems: valves, rim tape, sealant and tire pressure.
Learn more →
Price list
Prices of all services in one place, so you know in advance what to expect.
See prices →
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does custom wheel building take?
A build usually takes 3 to 5 working days, provided all components (hubs, rims, spokes) are in stock.
Can I bring my own parts for the wheel build?
Yes, you can bring your own hubs or rims. Before starting, we inspect them to make sure they are in good condition and compatible.
Do you offer a warranty on wheel building?
Yes, we warrant the building service (truing and spoke stability). The warranty does not cover mechanical damage caused by impacts, for example a bent rim.
Which is better: 28 or 32 spokes?
It depends on your weight and riding style. 32 spokes are the standard for reliability and heavier riders, while 28 spokes are a good choice for lighter XC wheels to save weight.
How much does it cost to build a wheel?
Building and truing a wheel costs 50 KM, without components. Truing an existing wheel costs 35 KM, replacing a single spoke from 10 KM and a hub service 20 KM.
Carbon or aluminum rim?
Carbon is stiffer, so it needs a lower but more precise spoke tension, because lower tension prevents the nipple hole from cracking under heavy load. Aluminum is a good choice for most riding.
Book a custom wheel build
Custom wheels are stronger, lighter and matched to your bike. Book a slot for custom wheel building in Istočno Sarajevo. The workshop is run by Marko Ristivojević, Bosch eBike Expert and Master Bike Mechanic.
Bike service Istočno Sarajevo: Riste Anđića 20, 71123 Istočno Sarajevo · Mon–Sat 8:00–19:00 · Closed on Sundays
