SH Race FAQ | Your Questions Answered

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, and this is precisely where a handbuilt wheelset makes all the difference. The rider's weight directly influences a wheel's rigidity, reliability, and durability.

That's why, at SH Race, every build takes into account:

• your weight
• your actual riding style (road, gravel, MTB, touring)
• your level and usage constraints

Adapting wheels to your profile results in a more balanced, more reliable setup, perfectly suited to how you ride.

The simplest and most reliable solution is to contact us directly to discuss it.

Above 100 kg, wheel choice depends on several parameters (riding style, terrain, tires, objectives). A discussion allows us to define a suitable and durable configuration, and clearly identify:

• what is recommended for your usage
• what is possible
• what is best avoided

Contact us with your weight, riding style (road/gravel/MTB/touring), and expectations, and we will guide you toward the safest and most coherent build.

The most effective approach is simply to contact us to discuss it.

Every rider has a different usage (road, gravel, MTB, touring) and specific priorities (performance, comfort, reliability, budget). A short exchange allows us to guide you toward the configuration best suited to your goals.

Write to us with a few details and we will recommend the wheels that best match your bike and your way of riding :

• riding style and terrain
• weight and level
• objectives

For bike touring, the priority is reliability, comfort, and load capacity.

It is recommended to choose robust rims, generally aluminum, capable of handling the stresses of weight (luggage + rider) and uneven terrain.

Key criteria :

• Wide internal width — allows for larger tires, improving comfort and stability over long distances.
• High spoke count — distributes stress more effectively and reduces the risk of breakage in demanding conditions.
• Low to mid-depth profile — preferred for stability and compliance, especially in wind and on varied terrain.
• Standard, easily repairable components — essential if traveling far.

The goal is simple: a reliable, comfortable, and easy-to-maintain wheel that can support you over time without issues.

Not necessarily. With equivalent components, a handbuilt wheelset is often:

• more durable
• more cost-effective over the long term
• better adapted to your usage and profile

Custom building avoids compromises linked to standardization and allows you to invest in wheels that truly make sense, rather than marketing.

Not necessarily. The price of a wheel does not automatically guarantee a longer lifespan.

A more expensive wheel generally includes better materials, higher-performance hubs, and more advanced design. This can improve reliability and resistance to wear, provided the overall build quality is high.

However, durability mainly depends on:

• usage
• maintenance
• build quality

A high-end wheel that is poorly maintained or not suited to your use will wear out faster than a simpler but properly used wheel.

Wheel building plays a key role here. Even spoke tension and careful assembly significantly reduce stress on components and increase longevity.

In summary, an expensive wheel can last longer, but it is not guaranteed. The best choice is a wheel suited to your use, properly built and well maintained.

The number of spokes mainly depends on your weight, your riding style, and the level of reliability required.

• 24 spokes — standard for performance road riding and lighter riders. Offers a good balance between light weight and efficiency.
• 28 spokes — the best compromise for gravel, endurance, and light bikepacking. Increased robustness with limited weight penalty.
• 32 spokes — recommended for loaded touring, demanding use, or riders over 95–100 kg. Priority given to reliability and durability.

In a handbuilt wheelset, the spoke count is always chosen based on your profile and real usage, to achieve a balanced, reliable, and durable wheel.

Yes, of course: we offer carbon spokes. They are built on Erase or SHR hubs, both benefiting from a lifetime warranty. Several colors are available depending on the desired build.

For more information, please visit the dedicated page: View SH Race carbon spokes

The number of spokes mainly depends on your riding style, your build, and the level of stress you place on your wheels.

For performance-oriented road use, a lightweight build with fewer spokes may be sufficient, prioritizing stiffness and responsiveness. Conversely, for endurance, gravel, or rough roads, a higher spoke count provides more comfort, stability, and reliability.

Rider build also plays a key role:

• A powerful or heavier rider will benefit from more spokes to better distribute stress and limit deformation.
• A lighter rider can opt for a more minimal setup.

In practice, it is not about choosing the minimum or maximum, but the right balance. A well-adapted build results in a wheel that is both high-performing and durable, and consistent with your use.

At SH Race, spoke count is always tailored to precisely meet these needs.

The choice of bearings mainly depends on your usage and performance expectations.

• Steel bearings — excellent balance between reliability, durability, and cost. Perfectly suited for regular use, both in training and competition, with standard maintenance.
• Ceramic bearings — performance-oriented. Reduce friction, slightly improve smoothness, and optimize efficiency, especially at high speeds. However, they are more expensive and require more careful maintenance to retain their benefits.

In practice, steel bearings are more than sufficient for most cyclists. Ceramic versions are mainly for those seeking marginal performance gains in a competitive context.

The right choice depends on your priority: durability and simplicity, or maximum performance.

Freehub noise mainly comes from the internal mechanism of the hub, called the freehub body.

Some wheels are louder because they use ratchet or pawl systems with a high number of engagement points. The more engagement points there are, the quicker the engagement… but the more clicks are produced, and therefore more noise.

Several factors influence the noise level:

• Number of engagement points — the more there are, the more responsive and loud the mechanism.
• Type of grease — light grease makes the mechanism louder and more responsive; thicker grease dampens the noise but may slightly reduce responsiveness.
• Hub design — tolerances directly influence acoustics. Some brands intentionally aim for a distinctive sound, often associated with performance.

In summary, a loud hub is not a defect — it is usually a sign of quick engagement and dynamic performance.

Yes, it is entirely possible to replace only the hub bearings, and it is a common operation.

Bearings are wear parts. Over time, due to moisture and mechanical stress, they can lose smoothness or develop play. Replacing them restores optimal performance without changing the entire wheel.

On most modern hubs, bearings are removable and interchangeable. However, the process requires:

• proper tools
• precision to avoid damaging the hub or incorrectly installing the new bearings

It is therefore both an economical and effective solution to extend the lifespan of your wheels, provided best practices are followed.

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.

Our racing expertise is aimed at a wide range of riders, from committed competitors to demanding enthusiasts.

We support in particular:

• triathletes
• road cyclists
• cyclo-cross riders
• ultra-distance riders
• gravel riders
• mountain bikers

At any time, we remain available to answer your questions and adapt our builds to the specific demands of each discipline.

We have been supporting athletes for years. This close connection with competition provides us with real-world feedback, directly from the field and aligned with actual demands.

This feedback guides our technical choices and wheel-building approach, with three priorities:

• Rigidity — for more direct power transfer and improved precision.
• Efficiency — to maintain speed with less energy and improved performance.
• Reliability — to withstand intensity, mileage, and difficult conditions.

In short, competition helps us refine every detail to deliver wheels that are balanced, high-performing, and durable.

Yes, SH Race expertise is directly inspired by the demands of competition.

Wheel design and assembly are based on real-world principles: performance optimization, reliability under stress, and precision in the build process. Every choice — rim, spokes, hubs, tension — is guided by concrete criteria tested in real conditions.

This approach allows the creation of wheels that meet the expectations of the most demanding cyclists while remaining accessible to enthusiasts. The goal is not just pure performance, but a controlled balance between:

• efficiency
• durability
• riding feel

In practice, it is this performance-driven mindset applied to hand-built wheels that makes the difference.

No, there is no specific maintenance required, but regular maintenance remains important:

• checking the bearings
• checking spoke tension
• inspecting the rims

Like any wheels, maintenance frequency depends on your usage. Wheels used for gravel riding in muddy conditions or cyclocross will require more frequent checks than wheels used only on dry roads.

No, carbon wheels are not affected by rain. Modern carbon rims are designed to withstand moisture and harsh weather conditions without any issue. Riding in the rain does not damage the structure of the rim or its overall performance.

The only point of attention concerns rim braking. In wet conditions:

• braking power may be slightly reduced
• response time may be longer

It is therefore recommended to anticipate braking more and use brake pads specifically designed for carbon. With disc brake wheels, this issue is almost entirely eliminated, making carbon wheels perfectly suitable for all-weather use.

In summary, rain is not a problem for carbon wheels, as long as you adapt your riding and braking system. As with aluminum wheels, bearings should be checked more frequently if you regularly ride in wet conditions.

Proper maintenance helps preserve the performance and lifespan of your wheels.

Cleaning After each ride, especially in the rain, clean the rims and hubs with clean water and a soft cloth to remove dirt and residue. Avoid high-pressure washing, which can damage the bearings.

Spokes and trueness Regularly check spoke tension and wheel trueness. A properly centered and well-tensioned wheel ensures optimal performance and limits premature wear.

Bearings Check that rotation is smooth and silent, a sign of good condition. If you notice noise or resistance, maintenance is required.

Tires Adjust your tire pressure and monitor their condition, as they directly influence wheel behavior and rim protection.

Simple but regular maintenance ensures your wheels remain reliable, efficient, and durable.

Here is what to check:

• Smoothness — spin the wheel: it should rotate smoothly, without noise or rough spots.
• Lateral play — move the wheel laterally at the hub: there should be no noticeable movement.
• Axle condition — rotate the axle by hand: a "gritty" feeling or resistance indicates worn bearings.

If in doubt, servicing or replacement is recommended to preserve performance.

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.

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.

At SH Race, all our wheels come with an extended legal warranty of 3 years, ensuring reliability and peace of mind for our customers.

Warranty details by component:

• Carbon rims — 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects and specific performance-related issues. Some models also benefit from a lifetime warranty.
• SH Race spokes — 10-year warranty, including manufacturing defects and spoke breakage.
• Hub bearings — 1- or 2-year warranty depending on the model (see the product page or contact customer service).

Our after-sales service is direct, personal, and responsive, with privileged contact with the workshop.

For more information, please consult our terms and conditions of sale: https://shrace.fr/en/content/3-general-terms-and-conditions-of-sale

If a crack appears during normal use, the rim is covered by the SH Race warranty, in accordance with the applicable conditions.

In the event of a crash or accident, the warranty does not apply. However, we offer a Crash Replacement option, allowing the rim to be replaced under preferential conditions.

Our team remains available to analyze each situation and support you with an appropriate solution.

For more information, please consult our terms and conditions of sale: https://shrace.fr/en/content/3-general-terms-and-conditions-of-sale

Yes. SH Race offers a Crash Replacement option, specifically designed for carbon wheels.

This option includes:

• 30% discount on the replacement of damaged rims
• 20% discount on labor and materials required for repairs

This solution allows you to ride with peace of mind, even in the event of an unexpected incident, while benefiting from direct support from the SH Race workshop.

For more information, please consult our terms and conditions of sale: https://shrace.fr/en/content/3-general-terms-and-conditions-of-sale

The SH Race warranty covers wheels in the following cases:

• hidden defects
• non-conformity defects
• assembly defects

These warranties apply under normal and compliant use of the product.

The following are not covered by the warranty:

• damage due to improper use
• negligence or lack of maintenance
• crash or accident
• incorrect installation or unauthorized modification
• abusive use (extreme jumps, downhill racing, etc.)
• normal wear and tear

For full details of the conditions, please consult our terms and conditions of sale: https://shrace.fr/en/content/3-general-terms-and-conditions-of-sale

For cross-border or international customers, after-sales service is simple: the wheels are returned to our workshop to be inspected and checked by our team.

If the issue is covered under warranty, we cover the return shipping costs.

In all cases, we support you step by step in organizing shipping and handling your request.

The mid-depth rim is generally the most versatile, offering the best balance between performance, weight, and stability. Low-profile rim (≤ 30 mm) Lightweight, comfortable, and easy to handle on climbs, but less efficient on flat terrain and at high speeds. Mid-profile rim (35–45 mm) The best compromise: good aerodynamic gains, controlled weight, and acceptable stability in crosswinds. Suitable for the majority of riders and courses. High-profile rim (≥ 50 mm) Very efficient on flat terrain and at high speeds, but heavier and more sensitive to wind. Less comfortable in the mountains or for truly versatile use. Conclusion: for a single wheelset capable of doing everything, the mid-depth rim is the most balanced choice.

A rider’s build directly influences the choice of rims, particularly in terms of stiffness, strength, and dynamic behavior.A lighter rider will generally favor lighter, more compliant rims that enhance comfort and responsiveness. Conversely, a heavier or more powerful rider should opt for stiffer and more robust rims, capable of handling higher loads, limiting deformation, and maintaining proper spoke tension.Rider build also affects profile and wheel build choices. A wheel that is too flexible for a powerful rider may lead to a lack of precision or unwanted rubbing, while a wheel that is too stiff for a lighter rider may reduce comfort.In practice, matching rims to your build helps achieve the optimal balance between efficiency, reliability, and riding feel.

To balance comfort and performance, a well-balanced build is key.Choose a wider rim to run lower tire pressure, improving comfort without sacrificing efficiency. A mid-depth profile offers the best compromise between aerodynamics, weight, and stability.Wheel build quality also plays a crucial role: a properly laced and tensioned wheel provides both responsiveness and vibration damping. Tubeless is another major advantage for increasing comfort without losing speed.The goal is simple: find the right balance between efficiency and compliance based on your riding style.

For flat terrain, a high-profile rim is generally the most efficient.Rims of 50 mm and above provide a significant aerodynamic advantage as speed increases, helping maintain higher speeds with less effort. They are particularly suited to rolling terrain, long straight sections, or fast rides.However, this type of profile is more sensitive to crosswinds and requires more control, especially in windy conditions.If you are looking for more versatility, a mid-depth profile is an excellent alternative, offering a good balance between performance and stability.In summary, for flat terrain and pure speed, go for a high profile; for more versatile use, choose a mid-depth profile.

For mountainous terrain, a low-profile rim is recommended.Rims under 25 mm offer significant weight savings, making accelerations and especially long climbs easier. They also provide excellent handling and better stability, particularly on descents and in crosswinds.This type of profile is ideal for routes with significant elevation gain, where lightness and control matter more than aerodynamics.In summary, for climbing, a low-profile rim helps you ride more efficiently while maintaining precise and confident handling.

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

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.

Whenever you wish: we are available to answer your questions and discuss technical choices. As these are not pre-assembled standard wheels, we can adapt the build to your expectations (spokes, rims, tensions, balance between comfort, performance, and reliability) based on your riding style and priorities.

Yes, you can keep your current cassette. We supply our wheels with the main freehub standards: Shimano / SRAM HG Shimano Micro Spline SRAM XDR As long as the freehub standard matches your drivetrain, your cassette can be installed directly.

Yes, in most cases, but several points need to be checked to ensure perfect compatibility: Axle type (sometimes adaptable depending on standards) Brake type: rim or disc Disc mounting: 6-bolt or Centerlock (sometimes adaptable) Drivetrain: freehub body, number of speeds (sometimes modifiable) Frame/fork clearance: accepted wheel and tire diameter/width If you are unsure, we can help you verify wheel compatibility with your frame. Do not hesitate to contact us.

Compatibility is simple to check: you only need to distinguish between rim brakes or disc brakes. Rim brake wheels are compatible with all rim brake systems. Disc brake wheels are compatible with disc brakes. Attention regarding disc mounting: Our hubs use the Centerlock standard. If your discs are 6-bolt, you will need adapters or to replace the discs with Centerlock models.

Our hubs are adaptable and compatible with the main freehub standards on the market: Shimano / SRAM HG SRAM XDR Campagnolo The freehub body can therefore be adapted to your drivetrain. If in doubt, feel free to contact us to verify compatibility with your groupset.

To check compatibility between your cassette and freehub body, you must first identify their standard.Each drivetrain brand uses a specific format. For example, Shimano and SRAM (standard road versions) typically use the HG standard, while SRAM 12-speed may require an XDR body, and Campagnolo uses its own standard. A cassette can only fit a matching freehub body.You also need to check the number of speeds. Some recent cassettes (especially 12-speed) require a specific freehub body, even within the same brand.Finally, make sure your hub allows freehub body replacement if needed. Many models allow switching standards simply by replacing this part.In summary, compatibility depends on three factors: drivetrain brand, freehub standard, and number of speeds.

No, disc brakes do not wear out the hub.Braking occurs at the rotor mounted on the hub, but the stresses are accounted for in the design. Disc-compatible hubs are engineered to handle these forces without premature wear.The only parts subject to wear are the brake pads and the rotor itself, not the hub.However, as with any component, lack of maintenance (bearings exposed to moisture or dirt) can affect its lifespan.In summary, disc brakes do not damage the hub if it is properly designed and maintained.