New video: August, featuring The Wheel Department

The Wheel Department in August from Velocity USA on Vimeo.

Austin has put together another killer video, this time featuring The Wheel Department and what goes into building a Velocity wheel.

Introducing our all-new 11-speed ready convertible Lightweight Disc Hub

In time for the upcoming 2013 Cyclocross season, we're announcing the release of a versatile new Lightweight Disc Hub. The hub is 11-speed ready, and with an easy swap of the cassette body it will work with SRAM XX1, as well as Campagnolo and Shimano 11-speed cassettes.

The all-new Velocity Lightweight Convertible Disc Hub

Adding to the versatility, the hub also allows an easy switch from a 135mm quick release axle to a 142x12mm thru-axle, making it one of the most versatile hubs currently on the market. An oversized aluminum axle keeps the hub light for Cyclocross applications, while durable for shredding trails. The hub comes with one cassette body and axle, with additional conversion pieces available separately.

Basically, there isn't a bike this won't work with.

Reasons you want this hub:

• 270g weight
• SRAM, Shimano and Campagnolo 11-speed ready
• 135mm quick-release or 142x12mm thru-axle options
• 6-bolt ISO disc compatible 
• high-quality double-sealed Japanese sealed cartridge bearings
• 6 pawl engagement

The hub will be used in all Comp and Pro Cyclocross and Mountain wheelset builds by our in-house wheel builders, The Wheel Department.

Veloplugs: now US made!

Veloplugs, our popular rim strip alternative, are now proudly made in the United States. We moved our rim production facility to Florida awhile ago, and have been searching for a new manufacturer for our plugs while the remaining stock of Australian made plugs runs out. 

Mission accomplished: new US made Veloplugs

We didn't have to look far -- only about 2 miles to be exact. After a test run, we placed our first order for the US made plugs, made right here in Grand Rapids, Mich. Employees here have been testing them on their own bikes and are pleased to report that the domestic plugs fit the rims like a glove, and have been holding up great. 

For those not familiar with Veloplugs, here's a quick rundown of why they are awesome. Veloplugs:

• can withstand up to 400psi (though your rims and tires can't, so don't test it!)
• save about 15 grams over a cloth strip
• are reusable
• make tire mounting much easier
• cost about the same as two rolls of conventional tape 

You can order yours here, or from you LBS. 

Wheel no. 560

Today marked the end of a multi-month 560 wheel order for The Wheel Department here at Velocity USA. Ridley Bikes contacted us this spring and asked if we could do 280 disc cyclocross wheelsets for their bikes, with our race decals. Eyebrows were raised at first, but in the end we all agreed it could be done, and it would be done, whatever it took.

Wheel #560 ready to leave the stand

It meant stickering each rim by hand, lacing each wheel by hand, and truing and tensioning 13,440 spokes -- by hand. Well, we did it, and we did it within the given time frame. It meant weekend hours, some early mornings, some later nights. I don't recall hearing a single complaint the entire time.

In the end we shipped 12 pallets of wheels, all hand built to the same standards we build ever other wheel that leaves The Wheel Department. We wouldn't have it any other way.

Introducing the "mid fat" 45mm Dually rim

We have extrusions in-hand and are excited to announce our latest rim, a 45mm, double-walled, "mid fat" rim we're calling the Dually. Not only does the design add strength, but it also keeps weight competitive at a conservatively estimated sub-700g for the 29-inch rim. The Dually was designed with mid fat, fat race and 29er-plus riders in mind.

The Dually is designed to work with current tubeless tire offerings, and features a reinforced sidewall to aid in preventing damage at low pressures with high volume tires. 

For starters, we'll be offering the rim in both 29 and 26-inch sizes, with 32 holes and black or polished finishes. As always, The Wheel Department will be offering complete wheelsets with the same hand-built quality and attention to detail they are known for.

We're expecting the Dually to start shipping in early September, 2013.

Starting today, preorders are open on our website at: http://www.velocityusa.com/product/rims/dually-622