SH Race Astrolabe: Navigate the Trails with Style and Performance ^*Required step

SH Race FAQ | Your Questions Answered

• Am I influenced by a trend or by my actual riding needs?

  Yes, wheels have a direct impact on bike comfort. A wider rim allows the use of higher-volume tires at lower pressure, which improves vibration absorption and grip.

  Wheel design also plays a key role:

  • An endurance-oriented wheel will be more compliant and better at damping shocks.
  • A very stiff wheel will prioritize performance at the expense of comfort.
  • A tubeless setup further enhances this advantage by allowing lower pressures without the risk of pinch flats.

  In summary, wheel choice has a major impact on fatigue, stability, and overall riding pleasure — especially over long distances or on rough roads.

• Can a custom-built wheel be easily repaired?

  Yes, a hand-built wheel is generally easier to repair than a factory-built wheel. Each component is standard and replaceable: spokes, nipples, bearings, and even the rim if necessary. This allows for precise intervention without having to replace the entire wheel.

  The hand-built assembly process also plays a key role:

  • Even and well-controlled spoke tension reduces stress on components and makes repairs easier.
  • It ensures consistent performance after intervention.

  In practice, a hand-built wheel is designed to last, but also to be maintained and repaired over time. It is a particularly relevant choice if you are looking for reliability and longevity.

• What performance gains can I expect from changing wheels?

  The gain is above all felt. By changing wheels, the bike becomes:

  • more responsive during accelerations and relaunches
  • more stable at high speed
  • less demanding in effort to maintain a fast pace

  It is one of the most noticeable upgrades on a bike, with a direct impact on riding feel and enjoyment.

• Do wheels change the pedaling feel?

  Yes, clearly so, even at identical power output. Better adapted and better built wheels provide a more direct power transfer, with:

  • smoother pedaling
  • better acceleration response
  • a more immediate sense of efficiency

  The bike feels more lively and more efficient, without necessarily producing more watts.

• Is it the best upgrade compared to other components?

  Yes, changing wheels is often the best upgrade — and it's not a myth. Wheels influence several key factors at the same time:

  • Rotational weight — better accelerations
  • Aerodynamics — real gains from 25–30 km/h
  • Rigidity and precision
  • Comfort and efficiency

  Unlike other components, the effect is immediate and clearly noticeable from the first pedal strokes. That's why changing wheels is often described as almost changing your bike.

• Should I prioritize aerodynamics or light weight?

  Neither one 100%: it all depends on your usage.

  • Aerodynamics — from around 25–30 km/h, air resistance becomes dominant. A deeper rim allows you to save watts without additional effort, especially on flat terrain, in group riding, and in competition.
  • Lightweight — weight savings are mainly felt during accelerations and climbs, with a more lively and enjoyable bike. This is often the preferred criterion for climbers or very hilly routes.

  In most cases, a modern wheelset with a mid-depth profile (35–45 mm) offers the best compromise: aerodynamic enough for speed on the flat, while remaining light and versatile.

  Conclusion: prioritize balance over extremes — the most versatile wheels deliver the greatest everyday benefits.

• Is stiffness always an advantage?

  No, stiffness is not always an advantage. A very stiff wheel improves power transfer, handling precision, and acceleration. This is beneficial in competition or for powerful riders seeking maximum efficiency.

  However, too much stiffness can reduce comfort and compliance. The wheel absorbs fewer vibrations, which can increase fatigue over long distances or rough roads.

  The goal is to find the right balance :

  • too stiff — efficient but tiring, less forgiving on rough roads
  • well balanced — efficient, comfortable and controlled

  In summary, stiffness is an advantage… if it is properly balanced.

• Which regions do you deliver your handbuilt wheels to?

  We deliver our handbuilt wheels throughout Europe and worldwide. Our wheels have already been shipped to:

  • Canada
  • Brazil
  • the United Kingdom
  • many other destinations around the world

  If you are unsure about delivery to your country, feel free to contact us so we can confirm the details.

• Why choose handbuilt wheels over industrial wheels?

  Handbuilt wheels are assembled by hand, one by one, with a build adapted to your profile and usage. They take into account: your weight your actual riding style (road, gravel, MTB, touring…) your level and power output your priorities (comfort, reliability, performance, budget) Unlike industrial wheels, which are often standardized, a handbuilt wheel is: better balanced (optimized tension and centering) more durable (careful assembly, adapted components) repairable anywhere (spokes and parts easier to replace) optimized for you, not for marketing

• Are your wheels really handbuilt, one by one?

  Yes, absolutely. It is our signature. Every SH Race wheelset is handbuilt, one by one, in our workshop. This artisanal approach allows us to adapt each build to the real needs of every customer (riding style, weight, objectives, desired reliability), rather than offering a standardized wheel.