LENGTH OF COURSE STUDY
1 day
COURSE HOURS
6 hours
COURSE CREDENTIAL
WAS Bicycle Mechanic Certification
Cytech Technical Three
Cytech Accredited Training Provider
This module takes wheel building beyond standard three-cross patterns and into the nuanced world of modern, high-performance wheels. You’ll explore how and why manufacturers use advanced lacing patterns, and how these designs affect strength, stiffness, compliance, and longevity across different riding disciplines.
A key highlight is precision. You’ll work with spoke tension metres to understand and achieve accurate, repeatable tension, essential when building higher-end wheels where tolerances are tighter and performance demands are higher. The course sharpens your ability to balance lateral and radial true while maintaining correct tension across complex builds.
Participants will develop confidence calculating spoke lengths for non-standard applications, including offset rims, asymmetric hubs, and wider platforms such as fat bikes. These calculations move wheel building from memorized formulas to adaptable problem-solving, allowing mechanics to approach unfamiliar builds with confidence.
The module culminates in a complete advanced wheel build, road or mountain, bringing together lacing strategy, spoke selection, tension management, and finishing techniques. The result is a deeper understanding of wheels as engineered systems, and the skills to build durable, high-performance wheels to a professional standard.
MINIMUM PARTICIPANTS
5 Students
INTERESTED IN A CUSTOM COURSE?
Please inquire for a custom course for you, your friends or your employees directly via email or phone.
SINGLE COURSE COSTS
| Course | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | $800 CAD + gst |
The Cytech Technical Three Advanced Wheel Building module is designed for experienced bicycle mechanics who already have a solid foundation in wheel building and want to progress into more complex, high-performance builds. It’s ideal for shop mechanics who are comfortable with standard three-cross lacing, truing, and tensioning, and are ready to work with modern wheel designs, tighter tolerances, and higher-end components.
This module suits mechanics who regularly service performance road and mountain bikes and want to build wheels that meet manufacturer specifications and rider demands. It’s particularly valuable for those looking to expand their workshop capabilities, take on custom or premium wheel builds, and progress toward full Cytech Technical Three certification.
This module is for mechanics who see wheel building as a precision craft, those who want to move beyond routine repairs and develop the skills to build strong, balanced, and reliable wheels in real-world professional settings.
- Introduction of wheels, their components and names
- Review of wheel, hub and frame sizing standards
- Wheel Removal and installation - different axles and how they function
- Tire removal and installation
- Tire selection - treads, casings, rubber compounds
- Tubeless tire setup - tape, valves, sealants, compressed air
- Trailside flat tire repair, including tubeless tire plugging
- Hubs - inspection, adjustment, bearing service and replacement
- Spokes and nipples - types, inspection, replacement
- Rims - inspection, standards, types
- Wheel truing - the four elements of wheel truing
- Practice time
- Trailside applications and tools
By the end of this module, participants will be able to plan, build, and finish advanced bicycle wheels to a professional standard using a range of modern components and lacing patterns. Learners will understand how different lacing strategies influence wheel strength, stiffness, durability, and ride characteristics across road, mountain, and specialist applications.
Participants will be able to accurately calculate spoke lengths for non-standard builds, including offset rims, asymmetric hubs, and wider platforms such as fat bikes. They will confidently use a spoke tension metre to achieve consistent, manufacturer-appropriate tension and maintain correct balance while truing laterally and radially.
Graduates of the module will be able to apply advanced lacing techniques, troubleshoot build challenges, and complete a full high-quality wheel build from start to finish. They will also develop the judgment required to assess component compatibility, identify potential build issues early, and deliver reliable, high-performance wheels in a professional workshop environment.
The outcome is a mechanic who approaches wheel building with precision and intent, capable of producing durable, accurate, and performance-driven wheels beyond standard workshop builds