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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.

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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

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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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Measuring Axles and Cones Has Never Been Easier - AXLE RULER-Pro

By James Flanagan on February 23, 2024

Axle Ruler Pro Feast your eyes on the Axle Ruler Pro—the precision tool that ends thru-axle guesswork. Crafted from 6061 aluminum, it measures axle length, thread size, and pitch with speed and accuracy. A self-centering axle channel makes length checks a breeze, and dual rulers (11 in / 280 mm) keep both imperial and metric users happy. Thread Pitches Supported (male & female) M9 × 1, M9 × 26, 3/8" × 24, 3/8" × 26, M10 × 1, M10 × 26, M12 × 1, M12 × 1.25, M12 × 1.5, M12 × 1.75, M14 × 1.5, M15 × 1.0, M15 × 1.5 No more swapping tools—this ruler has it all, so you can lock in measurements with confidence. Hang it, peg it, love it—pegboard compatible to keep your bench tidy. MSRP $122.99. Buy Now Thru Axle Gauge – Essential Simple, durable, and affordable—the Thru Axle Gauge makes quick work of thru-axle identification for riders and small shops. Highlights Built to last: Tough red acrylic construction. Length measurement: Metric ruler up to 225 mm. Diameter check: Gauges for 12 mm and 15 mm axles. Thread pitch: 1.0, 1.5, and 1.75 supported. Versatile: Measure frames and forks even without the axle. Buy Now

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Centerlock Rotor Installation Has Never Been So Easy

By James Flanagan on March 13, 2023

Looking for a hassle-free solution to your bike's centerlock brake rotor lockring installation and removal? We've got you covered with the latest innovation from Wheels Manufacturing - the Centerlock Socket. Designed to work seamlessly with a 3/8 ratchet, threaded rod, and press stop, this socket ensures easy and secure installation, preventing any slipping or clearance issues. Bid adieu to all your centerlock rotor installation woes and switch to the Centerlock Socket by Wheels Manufacturing. The Wheels Manufacturing Centerlock Socket is designed to make the process of removing and installing standard 44mm centerlock rotors on your bike wheels quick and easy. Built from durable and high-strength aluminum, this socket is constructed to last and can handle the wear and tear of regular use. Thanks to our precision-engineered design, the centerlock socket offers a secure fit onto centerlock lockrings. Not only is the centerlock socket compatible with the ⅜ standard ratchet or torque wrench, but is also threaded for ⅜ acme rod which can be paired with the Adjustable Press Stop Mini to help secure the socket through the wheel hub while tightening or loosening the lockring. The centerlock socket solves the problem of dealing with thin flanged brake rotor lockrings, enabling you to tighten or loosen them easily without slipping damaging the flange or hub. With its precision-machined design, the socket can handle different types of hub and rotor styles with ease, making it a versatile and efficient tool. Say goodbye to the frustration of dealing with thin flanged brake rotor lockrings, and experience the convenience and ease of use of the Wheels Manufacturing Centerlock Socket. Instructions Tools Needed: Wheels Manufacturing Centerlock Socket ⅜ Ratchet wrench or torque wrench Optional: Adjustable Press Stop Mini ⅜ acme threaded rod Removal Instructions: Insert the Wheels Manufacturing Centerlock Socket into the ratchet wrench or torque wrench. Optional; thread ⅜ acme rod into the socket. Slide the rod through the hub and secure the socket and rod by securely placing the Adjustable Press Stop Mini onto the threaded rod on the opposite side of the hub. Align the center of the socket with the center of the rotor lockring. Push the socket onto the centerlock lockring on the rotor. Apply downward pressure on the socket to ensure it is fully seated onto the centerlock lockring. Turn the socket counterclockwise to loosen the centerlock lockring. Once the centerlock lockring is fully loosened, carefully remove it from the rotor and set it aside. Remove the rotor from the wheel. Installation Instructions: To re-install the rotor, align it with the wheel hub and slide it onto the hub until it is fully seated. Place the centerlock lockring onto the center of the rotor. Insert the Wheels Manufacturing Centerlock Socket into the ratchet wrench or torque wrench. Optional; thread ⅜ acme rod into the socket. Slide the rod through the hub and secure the socket and rod by securely placing the Adjustable Press Stop Mini onto the threaded rod on the opposite side of the hub. Align the center of the socket with the center of the centerlock lockring. Push the socket onto the centerlock lockring. Apply downward pressure on the socket to ensure it is fully seated onto the centerlock lockring. Turn the socket clockwise to tighten the centerlock lockring. Use a torque wrench to tighten the centerlock lockring to the manufacturer's recommended torque specification. And that's it! With these steps, you can use the Wheels Manufacturing Centerlock Socket to remove and install centerlock rotors on your bike wheels with ease. Add a Centerlock Socket to your toolbox today! Buy Now https://wheelsmfg.com/products/new-products/tools/centerlock-socket.html

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Shimano XTR M9100 Crank Arm Bolt Cap Removal Tool - XTR-CAP-DRIVER

By James Flanagan on February 15, 2023

Introducing the Wheels Manufacturing XTR Cap Driver If you're a bike mechanic, having the right tools for the job is crucial. That's why we're excited to introduce you to the Wheels Manufacturing XTR Cap Driver. This tool is specifically designed to remove and install the crank arm bolt cap on Shimano-XTR-M9100 series crank arms. Servicing crank arms or removing damaged M9100 crank arm bolts has never been easier. With its high-quality construction and precision engineering, the XTR Cap Driver is an excellent addition to your bike tool arsenal. Made from precision-machined aluminum, the XTR Cap Driver is durable and long-lasting. It's also anodized to prevent corrosion and damage, ensuring a reliable and dependable tool for mechanics. The XTR Cap Driver fits snugly in the crank arm bolt cap, providing a secure fit and reducing the risk of slipping or stripping the cap or the crank arm. One of the main benefits of the XTR Cap Driver is its compatibility with a 3/8" drive socket or torque wrench. This makes it easy to use with the tools you already have, providing a precise and accurate way to install and remove the crank arm bolt cap. By using a torque wrench, you can ensure the bolt is tightened to the manufacturer's specifications, reducing the risk of damage to the crank arm or bottom bracket. To remove the bolt cap on your Shimano-XTR-M9100 series crank arm using the Wheels Manufacturing XTR Cap Driver, follow these steps: Removing the Bolt Cap Place the XTR Cap Driver in the crank arm bolt cap, ensuring that it fits snugly. Grab your 3/8" drive socket or torque wrench and insert it into the tool. Turn the tool clockwise to remove the crank arm bolt cap. Apply steady, even pressure to avoid damaging the crank arm or bottom bracket. Inspect the cap and the crank arm for any damage or wear, and replace any damaged components as needed. To install the bolt cap, simply follow these steps: Place the XTR Cap Driver in the crank arm bolt cap and make sure it's snug. Use the tool with your 3/8" drive socket or torque wrench to turn the cap counterclockwise until it's snug. For best results, use a torque wrench to ensure you're tightening the bolt to the manufacturer's recommended specifications. By following these steps and using the Wheels Manufacturing XTR Cap Driver, you can safely and efficiently remove and install the crank arm bolt cap on Shimano-XTR-M9100 series crank arms. With its precision-machined aluminum construction and compatibility with 3/8" drive sockets and torque wrenches, the XTR Cap Driver is a reliable and durable tool that will make your bike repair jobs easier and more efficient. You can also find the replacement crank bolt here https://wheelsmfg.com/xtr-crankarm-fixing-bolt.html Visit our website to purchase an XTR Cap Driver for your toolbox. Buy Now https://wheelsmfg.com/presses-tools/tools/xtr-cap-driver.html

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Wheels mfg Tools

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

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

Bespoked Manchester Recap. Orange You Glad You Stopped By?