ProX Carbon Wheels Assembly Process

Modern road and MTB riders are more diverse than ever—not only in body proportions, but also in what they expect from their wheels. To address these varied demands, handbuilt carbon wheels remain the most precise and adaptable solution. At ProX Wheels, we offer a wide selection of hubs (such as DT Swiss 180, 240, 350, as well as our in-house ProX hubs) and spokes (including Sapim CX-Ray, Race, Pillar 1420, 1423, and more). Our wheelbuilding process is structured into six key stages, as outlined below:

Before assembly begins, all necessary components are carefully prepared. This includes selecting the carbon rims, hubs, nipples, and calculating the correct spoke length for each specific build. Once everything is ready, our wheel technicians begin the lacing process. Spokes are first inserted into the hub, then arranged into the chosen pattern (radial, 2-cross, 3-cross, etc.). Special attention is paid to the drive side and non-drive side, which is especially important when working with asymmetric carbon rims. Proper preparation ensures a smooth workflow and minimizes the risk of errors.

2. Initial Spoke Tensioning

After lacing, the spokes are brought up to a preliminary tension level. This removes slack from the system and gives the wheel its initial rigidity. At this stage, basic lateral and radial alignment is also carried out to bring the wheel closer to true.

3. Centering (Dishing)

With pre-tension applied, the wheel is checked to ensure the hub sits perfectly centered between the rim flanges. This alignment is essential for accurate final truing. At ProX, we maintain a center deviation tolerance within ≤0.3 mm. If any variation exceeds this threshold, adjustments are made until the wheel meets our standard.

4. Stress Relief

The tensioning process introduces internal stresses within the wheel structure, which must be released. During this step, spokes settle into the hub flanges, and nipples align properly within the rim holes. This process stabilizes the wheel, helping it maintain tension consistency and preventing it from going out of true during regular use.

5. Final Truing & Tension Equalization

Using precision tension meters, our technicians measure each spoke individually. Spokes on the same side (drive side or non-drive side) are adjusted to achieve consistent tension. If any spokes are too tight or too loose, fine adjustments are made repeatedly until optimal balance is achieved. This step is critical for ensuring long-term durability, stability, and performance.