Wheels mfg Blog

Technical articles, product releases and current events, all in one place.

Raw Titanium. Single Speed. Unbound Ready.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Raw Titanium. Single Speed. Unbound Ready.

Wheels Manufacturing teamed up with BlackHeart Bike Co. on a custom raw titanium Gravel Ti build for Unbound Gravel featuring the soft launch of our new SRAM 8-bolt direct mount gravel chainrings, SOLO-XD single speed setup, and a full collection of components in our custom Raw Aluminum colorway.
Revel x Wheels Manufacturing: A Teal Titanium Tirade Bound for Cyclingworld Europe

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Revel x Wheels Manufacturing: A Teal Titanium Tirade Bound for Cyclingworld Europe

A custom teal Revel Tirade, loaded with Wheels Manufacturing components, is headed to Cyclingworld Europe in Düsseldorf. This Colorado-built collaboration blends titanium trail performance with eye-catching detail for one unforgettable show bike.
The Bike That Almost Wasn’t! Our Colorado Copper Sanitas Finally Made It Home

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The Bike That Almost Wasn’t! Our Colorado Copper Sanitas Finally Made It Home

The Bike That Almost Wasn’t! Our Colorado Copper Sanitas Finally Made It Home We had big plans for the Philly Bike Expo this year. Front and center in our booth was supposed to be a one-of-a-kind Sanitas Cycles titanium Pistil Soft-Tail fully decked out in our Colorado Copper anodized components. A clean, bold build that showed off the best of what we make, all in our signature colorway. Then… it disappeared. Somewhere between Colorado and Pennsylvania, it vanished. Lost in transit. Despite days of searching, tracking updates, and a few panicked phone calls, the bike didn’t make it to Philly. We were bummed. So was the Sanitas crew. This build deserved a spotlight. But here’s the happy ending: the bike finally made its way back to Sanitas HQ, safe and sound. And now, we finally get to show it off. This is the Colorado Copper Sanitas build that almost wasn’t. A clean titanium frame brought to life with our anodized components: SOLO-XD Single Speed Kit – simple, fast, and coppered out T47 Bottom Bracket – built for longevity and smooth power transfer Headset Spacers + Top Cap – the little details that tie the whole build together Wheels MFG Thru Axles – because solid connection matters Seatpost Clamp – clean, secure, and color-matched A huge thanks to Sanitas Cycles for the build and for rolling with the punches when the bike went MIA. It didn’t hit the Philly show floor, but it’s too good not to share.
New Seatpost Collars Are Here.  Lock It Down in Style!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

New Seatpost Collars Are Here. Lock It Down in Style!

We’re excited to officially launch our brand-new Wheels Manufacturing Seatpost Collars, available April 7, 2025. Built with precision and designed to add a clean, finished look to your bike. They’re ready to order and ready to ride. Designed to blend simplicity, style, and rock-solid performance, these collars use a bolt and barrel-nut closure for a secure fit and come in three sizes — 28.6 mm, 31.8 mm, and 34.9 mm — to fit a wide range of frames. With seven anodized color options — Black, Red, Orange, Teal, Blue, Purple, Green — there’s something for every rider’s style. Even better, the colors match our other anodized components like bottom brackets, derailleur hangers, and single-speed kits for a clean, cohesive look front to back. Buy Now These collars offer an affordable way to personalize your bike without sacrificing performance. Here’s what makes them stand out: Lightweight CNC-machined 6061 aluminum with stainless steel hardware Bold anodized color options to match or contrast existing builds Secure bolt and barrel-nut system for a no-slip grip Three versatile sizes to fit most modern frames Bonus Tool Alert Need to know which seatpost your bike uses? Our new Seatpost Gauge is made from durable acrylic and quickly measures the inside diameter of your seat tube. It covers sizes from 25 mm up to 34.9 mm, and at just $9.99 MSRP, it’s a handy addition for any shop, mechanic, or home wrench. Buy Seatpost Gauge
Bespoked Manchester Recap. Orange You Glad You Stopped By?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Bespoked Manchester Recap. Orange You Glad You Stopped By?

Bespoked Manchester Recap. Orange You Glad You Stopped By? We just got back from the Bespoked Handmade Bike Show in Manchester, and to say we’re buzzing would be an understatement. This event always brings out some of the most passionate builders, riders, and brands in the cycling world, and this year, we teamed up with Chumba to create a showstopper of a bike. A Slackr With Some Serious Attitude Chumba’s Slackr Steel MTB is already a beast of a bike, designed for hard-hitting trail riders who want steel’s ride quality without compromising on modern geometry or aggressive capability. But for this show build, we cranked it up a notch. The frame was dressed head-to-toe in Wheels Manufacturing components in a striking orange anodized finish, making it impossible to miss. Here’s what we added to the mix: SOLO-XD Single Speed Conversion Kit Thru Axles Water Bottle Cage Bolts Headset Spacers and Top Cap T47 Outboard Bottom Bracket This wasn’t just a display of parts; it was a bold, clean build that showed how dialed your bike can look when your components are matched and made to last. Sneak Peek: SOLO-HG Prototype While the Slackr got most of the stares, those who stopped by our booth also got a behind-the-scenes look at something new. We unveiled a prototype of our revamped single speed conversion kit for Shimano HG-style freehub bodies, the SOLO-HG. This is not just an update. It’s a full overhaul, with refined design, narrow-wide tooth profiles, and improved chain retention. Launch is still a few months out, but we were stoked to get feedback directly from builders and riders on the ground. Spoiler alert: they’re into it. Why Shows Like Bespoked Matter Bespoked is more than a trade show. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and community. Getting to partner with frame builders like Chumba reminds us why we do what we do. When our components end up on bikes this rad, it’s a win for everyone who believes that performance and aesthetics can coexist. Big thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat, geek out, and sneak a peek at what’s coming next. If you missed it, don’t worry, we’ve got more in store for 2025.

latest articles

Raw Titanium. Single Speed. Unbound Ready.-115374162088

Raw Titanium. Single Speed. Unbound Ready.

There’s something special about a raw titanium gravel bike done right. For this year’s Unbound Gravel Expo, Wheels Manufacturing teamed up with BlackHeart Bike Co. on a custom Gravel Ti build designed around long miles, rough roads, and clean details. The result is a modern titanium gravel bike finished with a full collection of Wheels Manufacturing components in our custom Raw Aluminum colorway. This build also marks the soft launch of our new SRAM 8-bolt direct mount gravel chainrings, officially available July 2026. Built for Big Gravel Miles Machined in Colorado from premium 7075 aluminum and available in 40T, 42T, 44T, and 46T sizes, the new Wheels Manufacturing gravel chainrings were designed for riders who want a drivetrain that feels fast, efficient, quiet, and dependable over massive gravel miles. The new chainrings feature: SRAM 8-bolt direct mount interface Optimized tooth profiles for modern SRAM drivetrains Lightweight yet incredibly strong 7075 aluminum construction Available in seven anodized colors Designed and machined in Colorado, USA For this BlackHeart build, we paired the chainring with our SOLO-XD Single Speed Conversion Kit and 21T cog for a clean “magic gearing” setup built specifically for the rolling terrain and relentless conditions that make Unbound Gravel legendary. Wheels Manufacturing Components Featured on the Build To complete the build, we added a full collection of Wheels Manufacturing components in black and our custom Raw Aluminum colorway: New SRAM 8-bolt direct mount gravel chainring SOLO-XD Single Speed Conversion Kit with 21T cog T47 Inboard Bottom Bracket DROPOUT-666 Single Speed UDH Seatpost Collar Bottle Cage Bolts The Raw Aluminum finish pairs perfectly with the natural titanium frame, creating a clean, understated look built around performance and durability. About the BlackHeart Gravel Ti The BlackHeart Gravel Ti is a modern, aero, fully integrated gravel bike designed for covering long distances quickly. Its long and slack geometry keeps the bike stable and planted on rough terrain while still feeling nimble and intuitive when the road gets loose and fast. With clearance for up to 50mm tires, a threaded T47 bottom bracket, SRAM UDH compatibility, and support for electronic 2x or mechanical 1x drivetrains, it’s designed to be ridden hard and maintained easily for years to come. Build Highlights BlackHeart 3Al-2.5V double-butted titanium frame ENVE Gravel In-Route carbon fork BlackHeart one-piece carbon bar/stem SRAM Force 1x XO cranks Zipp 303 XPLR SW wheelset Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H tires Why Titanium? Titanium has always held a special place in gravel riding. It’s durable, corrosion-resistant, recyclable, and delivers a ride quality that feels smooth and composed over long days in the saddle. Combined with modern geometry and fully integrated design, the Gravel Ti is a bike built for adventure without compromise. Founded in 2018, BlackHeart Bike Company creates titanium and aluminum bikes that balance performance, versatility, and beautiful design for everyday riders and racers alike. Learn more about the BlackHeart Gravel Ti See It at Unbound Gravel If you’re attending Unbound Gravel, stop by the Wheels Manufacturing Outdoor Expo Booth May 28–29 to see the build in person and get a first look at our new gravel chainrings before their official July 2026 launch. See you in Emporia.