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The Bike That Almost Wasn’t! Our Colorado Copper Sanitas Finally Made It Home - 112477077672

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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

By James Flanagan on April 14, 2025
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! - 112477044904

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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

By James Flanagan on April 07, 2025
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? - 112477143208

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Bespoked Manchester Recap. Orange You Glad You Stopped By?

By James Flanagan on April 29, 2025
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.

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The Importance of Having the Proper Tools-112477700264

The Importance of Having the Proper Tools

Anyone who's ever tried to press a standard screwdriver against a Phillip's head screw knows the importance of having the right tool for the job. With bicycles and components becoming more specialized all the time, having the proper tool at hand for a given repair has never been more important. Having the right tools helps in several ways: Increased Customer Confidence. Let's be honest cyclists can be very protective of their bikes; among the things that will quickly erode customer confidence is seeing a mechanic tackle a bottom bracket install with a block of wood and a rubber mallet. With today's ever lighter carbon frames there really is no reason to resort such medieval measures when high-quality precision tools are available. Having the proper tools lets your customers know that your shop can tackle any mechanical issue they may have. Quicker Turnaround Time. A good service business is becoming critically important to a bike shop's success. Bike shop owners know service is where you make your money. Having the right tools at the right time can make all the difference. Searching the shop for the proper tool, or worse yet having to special order a tool while repairs are put on hold not only inconveniences the customer but eats into valuable service income. Bikes hanging out waiting to be repaired are not bringing in money, they're just taking up space. Why waste time running around looking for the perfect sized socket to install a sealed bearing when what you really need is a sealed bearing press. Less Stress for Mechanics. Not much will drive a mechanic crazier than running around for half-an-hour trying to find the right tool, or cobble together a tool, to do a thirty-second job. Stressed out mechanics usually aren't happy mechanics and unhappy mechanics don't tend to stick around long. Quality and continuity in the service area is key. A well-equipped and staffed service department only adds value to the services you offer. With so much of a shop's income being reliant on service an investment in having a well-equipped service department is an investment in a shop's future. Well trained and equipped mechanics help keep their customers on the road or trail longer, inspire confidence, and build loyalty to your shop.
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