Wheels mfg Blog

Some bikes at MADE pull you in from across the room. This was one of them. For the 2026 MADE Bike Show, Wheels Manufacturing partnered with James Bleakley of Black Sheep Bikes on a 32-inch titanium gravel bike that is hard to fit into any normal category. It has a titanium soft-tail frame, Black Sheep truss fork, custom titanium cockpit, 32-inch wheels, and a single-speed drivetrain built around our purple SOLO-XD Single Speed Conversion Kit. There is a lot going on, but somehow it all works together. Black Sheep 32-Inch Gravel Bike: Build Highlights Builder James Bleakley, Black Sheep Bikes Builder location Fort Collins, Colorado Bike type Custom titanium gravel bike Wheel size 32 inches Frame Titanium soft tail Fork Custom Black Sheep titanium truss fork Cockpit Custom titanium stem and drop handlebar Drivetrain Single speed Conversion kit Purple Wheels Mfg SOLO-XD Rear cog Purple Wheels Mfg 19T SOLO cog Bottom bracket Purple Wheels Mfg T47 bottom bracket Finishing parts Purple Wheels Mfg headset spacer kit, seatpost collar, and bottle-cage bolts Why Build a Gravel Bike with 32-Inch Wheels? James has never been afraid to experiment with wheel size. He has built bikes around 36-inch wheels and was working with 32-inch wheels long before they became one of the bigger conversations at MADE. The appeal of a larger wheel is easy to understand. A bigger wheel approaches rocks, roots, and rough sections of trail at a shallower angle. That can help it carry momentum across uneven terrain. For taller riders, a larger wheel may also create proportions that feel more natural than building an extra-large frame around smaller wheels. But a 32-inch gravel bike is not simply a 29er with larger tires. Increasing the wheel diameter affects the geometry and handling of the entire bike. Fork offset, trail, wheelbase, toe clearance, rider position, frame fit, and gearing all have to be considered together. That is what makes the Black Sheep build interesting. It does not look like an existing gravel frame modified to accept bigger wheels. The frame, fork, cockpit, and wheel size all look like they were meant to be together from the beginning. What Is a Titanium Soft-Tail Gravel Bike? A soft tail is designed to provide a small amount of rear-wheel movement without the pivots and shock found on a conventional full-suspension bike. On this bike, James used a shaped titanium plate near the seat tube to build compliance into the frame. The design allows controlled flex at the rear of the bike while keeping the overall structure simple. It is a smart use of titanium. Instead of hiding how the suspension works, the flex plate becomes part of the bike’s design. It adds another handmade detail without making the frame look overly complicated. The same thinking continues at the front of the bike. Black Sheep’s titanium truss fork gives the bike its unmistakable profile, with matching shapes around the fork and head tube that tie the front end together. James also fabricated the titanium stem and drop handlebar. Those parts could be overlooked next to the wheels and frame, but they are a big reason the finished bike feels complete. Nothing looks like it was added simply to finish the build in time for the show. Converting an XD/XDR Hub to Single Speed With this much detail in the frame, fork, and cockpit, a simple drivetrain felt right. The bike uses our purple SOLO-XD Single Speed Conversion Kit for XD/XDR hubs. The system installs on an XD or XDR freehub body and uses a carrier, adjustable spacers, cog, and lockring to create a dedicated single-speed setup. Those spacers are important because they allow the cog position to be adjusted. That makes it possible to line the rear cog up with the chainring rather than accepting a fixed chainline. A straighter chainline can help the drivetrain run more smoothly and reduce unnecessary wear. The standard SOLO-XD kit includes an 18-tooth cog, but this bike was fitted with a purple 19-tooth SOLO single-speed cog. The 19T cog is made from 7075 aluminum and is designed specifically for use with the SOLO-XD and SOLO-SPLINE carrier systems. For riders who already own a wheel with an XD or XDR driver, the conversion kit makes it possible to build a single speed without purchasing a different wheel or freehub system. Purple Wheels Mfg Components Complete the Build The SOLO-XD kit set the direction for the rest of the component package. From there, we carried the purple finish through the bike with a Wheels Mfg T47 bottom bracket, headset spacer kit, seatpost collar, and purple bottle-cage bolts. The purple headset spacers and top cap were a small detail, but an important one on a bike with this much custom work at the front end. They create a clean transition between the titanium head tube and stem while tying the cockpit into the rest of the purple component package. Against the raw titanium, the purple parts are easy to notice without taking over the bike. They draw attention to the drivetrain and smaller details while leaving James’ fabrication at the center of the build. That balance was important. This was always going to be a Black Sheep bike first. Our components needed to support the idea, work with the single-speed drivetrain, and look like they belonged there. Wheels Mfg Parts Used on the Black Sheep Build SOLO-XD Single Speed Conversion Kit for XD/XDR hubs, purple 19T SOLO single-speed cog, purple T47 bottom bracket, purple Headset spacer kit, purple Wheels Mfg seatpost collar, purple Bottle-cage bolts, purple More Than a Show Bike The best collaboration builds are not just collections of expensive parts. They show what can happen when a builder starts with an idea and every component supports it. James brought the big idea. Our part was helping him finish it with components that worked for the single-speed setup and looked at home on a one-of-a-kind titanium bike. The finished Black Sheep is big, simple, strange, and incredibly well thought out. It is exactly the kind of bike we like seeing our parts on. And the purple did not hurt. See more details and photography in The Radavist’s Wheels Manufacturing showcase from MADE 2026, or visit Black Sheep Bikes to see more of James Bleakley’s custom titanium work. Frequently Asked Questions What is a 32-inch gravel bike? A 32-inch gravel bike uses wheels with a larger outside diameter than conventional 700c or 29-inch wheels. The frame and fork must be designed around the larger wheel size because it changes the bike’s proportions, geometry, handling, and gearing. What is a soft-tail gravel bike? A soft-tail bike provides a small amount of rear compliance without using a traditional suspension linkage. The Black Sheep build uses the flex characteristics of a shaped titanium plate to allow controlled movement at the rear of the frame. Can an XD or XDR hub be converted to single speed? Yes. The Wheels Mfg SOLO-XD kit converts compatible XD and XDR freehub bodies to single speed. Its adjustable spacers allow the rider or mechanic to position the cog for the correct chainline. Which single-speed cog was used on this bike? The Black Sheep 32-inch gravel bike uses a purple Wheels Mfg 19-tooth SOLO cog. The cog is designed for the carrier used in the SOLO-XD and SOLO-SPLINE conversion systems. Where was the bike built? The frame, fork, stem, and handlebar were fabricated by James Bleakley of Black Sheep Bikes in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Some bikes are built to check boxes. This one was built to turn heads in Emporia. For Unbound Gravel 2026, Wheels Manufacturing teamed up with Litespeed Bicycles to create a titanium gravel bike that blends modern gravel performance with a clean, stripped-down aesthetic built around speed, simplicity, and premium craftsmanship. At the center of the project is the new Litespeed Toscano, a handcrafted titanium gravel platform designed for riders who want the responsiveness of a race bike with the capability to disappear down endless dirt roads. Lightweight titanium tubing, aggressive gravel geometry, and massive tire clearance make it the perfect foundation for a modern gravel build. But this one goes deeper than frame material. The build showcases Litespeed's new Cerakote finish options, bringing an entirely different visual language to titanium. Instead of covering the frame with thick paint, Cerakote adds an ultra-thin ceramic coating that delivers durability, corrosion resistance, and a distinctive finish that feels more industrial and performance-driven than traditional paint. For this collaboration, raw titanium surfaces meet custom Cerakote detailing and a full collection of anodized blue Wheels Manufacturing components. The contrast between the brushed titanium, muted coated surfaces, and bright anodized parts creates a bike that feels equal parts race machine and showpiece. Built With Purpose This build features our soon-to-be-released gravel chainring, designed specifically for the demands of modern gravel riding. Strong, lightweight, and engineered for rough terrain, the chainring pairs with our SOLO-XD single speed conversion system to create a drivetrain setup that is quiet, dependable, and refreshingly simple. Additional Wheels Manufacturing components featured on the build include: SOLO-XD Single Speed Conversion Kit New Gravel Chainring DROPOUT-666 Single Speed UDH Outboard T47 Bottom Bracket Seatpost Collar Headset Spacers and Top Cap Water Bottle Cage Bolts All finished in anodized blue. The final result is a gravel bike that feels intentional from every angle. No unnecessary clutter. No wasted details. Just titanium, precision components, and a build designed to stand out in a sea of carbon bikes and sponsor logos. This project is also a celebration of American manufacturing and rider-driven product design. Litespeed has spent decades building titanium bikes in the USA, while Wheels Manufacturing continues to develop precision components and tools in Colorado for riders who care about how their bikes ride, look, and hold up over time. If you're heading to Unbound Gravel, stop by the Wheels Manufacturing booth at the All Things Gravel Expo and check this one out in person. Trust us. Photos won't fully prepare you for this bike.

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.

Introducing the New SOLO-32 Single Speed Conversion Kit For years, riders have trusted our beloved SOLO-XD Single Speed Conversion Kit to keep things simple, quiet, and reliable. But then the 32" wheels showed up. And suddenly your cog looked... small. So we fixed that... Meet the SOLO-32 — the world’s first single speed cog sized to match your 32" wheel. More teeth than you’d ever want to count. More presence than your rear triangle was designed for. Now you can go single speed on your giant hoops without looking undersized. Because if bigger wheels are better... your cog should be bigger too. Go Bigger. Pedal Faster. Regret Nothing. Engineered in Colorado. Machined from extremely serious intentions. Absolutely unnecessary in the best possible way. 🚲⚙️ Happy April Fools!

Revel x Wheels Manufacturing: A Teal Titanium Tirade Bound for Cyclingworld Europe There are bike builds, and then there are bikes that stop people in their tracks. Our latest collaboration with Revel Bikes lands firmly in that second category. We teamed up to put together a titanium Revel Tirade dressed head to toe in teal Wheels Manufacturing components, creating a build that feels equal parts trail machine, showpiece, and love letter to modern mountain bike design. And now, we’re bringing it to Cyclingworld Europe in Düsseldorf, Germany, March 20–22, 2026 to help show off a little of what Colorado does best. (CYCLINGWORLD EUROPE) If you know Revel, you know they don’t do boring. The Tirade is their titanium 29er hardtail, built around modern trail capability with the clean feel and ride quality only titanium can deliver. Revel describes it as a bike inspired by their Rascal, made for riders who want the capability of a longer-travel bike with the simple beauty of a titanium hardtail. It is also single-speed compatible thanks to Revel’s sliding dropout design, which made it a perfect canvas for this project. (Revel Bikes) That single-speed compatibility was our cue to have a little fun. For this build, we decked the Tirade out with a full spread of teal Wheels Manufacturing parts to create something that feels cohesive, custom, and unapologetically eye-catching. The build features our SRAM 3-bolt chainring, Stack Right headset spacers and top cap, water bottle cage bolts, BSA 29mm bottom bracket, SOLO-XD single-speed conversion kit, thru axles, and seatpost clamp. The result is a titanium hardtail with a clean, purposeful look that still hits hard from ten feet away. This one is all about the details. From the cockpit to the rear hub, every accent works together to bring the bike to life. What makes this project especially fun is how naturally the Tirade lines up with what we love to build at Wheels. Revel’s titanium platform is packed with modern touches, including an integrated headset, thru-axles, internal cable routing, threaded bottom bracket, and UDH-compatible sliding dropouts. On the Tirade specifically, Revel calls out its “rowdy titanium hardtail” personality, 29-inch wheels, and sliding dropouts that make a single-speed setup completely at home here. In other words, this is not some forced show build. This bike makes sense, and that is what makes it so good. (Revel Bikes) And then there is the setting. Cyclingworld Europe has grown into one of Europe’s major bicycle shows, held at Areal Böhler in Düsseldorf, with more than 400 exhibitor stands and 500 brands expected for 2026. It is exactly the kind of place where a build like this belongs. Not tucked away in a corner. Out in the open, where people can walk up, lean in, and start picking apart every teal detail on a titanium frame that already has plenty to say on its own. (CYCLINGWORLD EUROPE) For us, this project is bigger than a display bike. It is a chance to team up with another Colorado brand, build something special, and bring that energy overseas. Colorado has always had its own way of doing things when it comes to bikes. A little dirt under the fingernails. A little style. A lot of function. This Revel Tirade captures all of that in one build. If you’re heading to Cyclingworld Europe, come find us and check it out in person. Photos are one thing. Standing next to a tealed-out titanium Tirade is another. Colorado to Düsseldorf. Let’s go.

This summer, Wheels MFG marketing manager (and resident trail masochist) James Flanagan finally lined up for the Colorado Trail Race on a full-suspension bike built around a Wheels drivetrain and a prototype chainring. Bikepacking.com just published the full story and video, following his highs, lows, storms, hike-a-bike, and all the little moments in between when a neat CTR plan meets real Colorado trail. It’s less “I crushed it” and more “here’s what actually happened out there.” For us, it’s the perfect mix of real-world product testing and honest storytelling from someone who lives and rides where our parts are made. If you want to see our components getting a proper Colorado shakedown and ride along for James’ attempt, you can check out the full feature and video here: 👉 The Highs and Lows of the Colorado Trail – Presented by Wheels MFG