What exactly are system wheels?

For decades, bicycle wheels were created virtually unchanged. From carefully selected components, an experienced mechanic would assemble either custom-made wheels or factory-installed sets. Most hubs and rims fit together seamlessly—just select the appropriately long spokes, and you're done. Until suddenly, someone realized that creating a complete wheel from scratch could achieve better results. These are system wheels—their hubs, spokes, rims, and sometimes even nipples—are designed to work perfectly together, creating a wheel with optimal properties. Sounds sensible, right? The first widely available system wheels began appearing in the 1980s and gained popularity in the following decade. At that time, they adopted shapes similar to those of today and lost any remaining compatibility with standard wheels. Today, they are the foundation of almost all professional bikes. Typically laced using high-quality machines, they often surpass the quality of hand-made wheels. Moreover, in the mid-priced segment, they offer strong competition (primarily the very popular Shimano and Mavic system wheels). However, they are not without their drawbacks, which is why we install wheels made in-house in Warsaw on most of our bikes. You can find more about wheel lacing in this article and its sequel .

Advantages of system wheels

First and foremost, the integration of components, which prioritizes stiffness and weight. Many system wheels are simply very durable (we're talking primarily about mid-range wheels). They're also typically very versatile. They'll suit most less demanding cyclists and perform well regardless of discipline or bike. Furthermore, they're attractively priced, thanks to cheaper labor and the purchase of a parts kit from the same manufacturer. For this reason, the popular Shimano WH-R501 often ends up on our road or cyclocross bikes. At this price, you simply can't build a better wheel. Overall, Shimano system wheels are a great example to discuss. While not the lightest, they are incredibly durable and perform well in all conditions. Ultegra models are definitely my favorite choice, and I recommend them to anyone looking for reliable road wheels. In the case of top-of-the-line products, price becomes less of a concern, while the benefits of holistic wheel design become increasingly apparent. This allows for the implementation of unusual lacing or spoke designs (Mavic wheels are a prime example), impossible with traditional components. This solution also allows for the creation of unique, extremely lightweight wheels using carbon spokes and hubs. There is (for now) no room for tolerances in universal components. And one last advantage: the system wheels look incredibly cohesive :) Ask us a question about wheels or other cycling topics

System wheels and their disadvantages

The most serious problem concerns not so much the wheels themselves, but the wholesalers. Parts availability. When replacing a spoke, in most cases, no Sapim or DT wheel will fit. You'll need a specific spare part designed for a specific model. Unfortunately, this isn't always easy. Polish distributors often ignore this, resulting in long waits for parts from abroad. For older or less popular models, spokes or bearings are often simply impossible to obtain. This is also a serious drawback if you plan to use your bike for touring and don't want to carry spare spokes. Furthermore, many system wheels require special truing tools, which not every repair shop has. If something is good for everything, it's good for nothing. I disagree with that adage, but the versatility of system wheels means they won't meet specialized requirements. If you know what you want (e.g., you prioritize weight over durability, or vice versa), there's no substitute for traditional lacing. Especially since some top-of-the-line hub and rim manufacturers don't produce complete wheels (though they often lace them using parts from other brands, such as Chris King).

To sum up

In my humble opinion, system wheels are a great solution in two respects. They're perfect for those looking for versatile solutions at a good price. System wheels from Shimano, DT Swiss, or Bontrager are highly recommended. The second thing is top-of-the-line racing wheels. Lightweight, HED, and Enve are in a class of their own, and although I'm a wheel-lacing freak, I have to admit that you can't beat this level of skill by hand. However, everywhere "in between" there's still plenty of room for wheel-building, as evidenced by the guys at Dandy Horse and our humble endeavors. Keep rolling!