Trends in Custom Wheel Building: What Riders Are Asking For

In an age where personalization defines consumer choices, custom wheel building is enjoying a resurgence—especially among performance-focused road, gravel, and mountain bikers. No longer content with off-the-shelf options, today’s riders are seeking wheelsets tailored to their exact riding style, terrain, and aesthetic preferences. But what exactly are riders asking for in 2025, and what trends are shaping the future of custom wheels?

1. Gravel-Specific Customization Is Booming

As gravel riding continues to surge, wheel builders report a spike in custom orders specifically optimized for mixed-terrain adventures. Riders are requesting:

Wider internal rim widths (25–27mm) to support high-volume tires for comfort and control.

Asymmetric rims for better spoke tension balance.

Low to mid-profile carbon rims to balance aerodynamics with compliance on rough surfaces.

Hub choices with high sealing and serviceability, especially for remote racing or bikepacking.

2. Carbon and Alloy Mixes for Price-Performance

While carbon remains the go-to for elite performance, many riders are turning to hybrid builds that use aluminum rims with high-end hubs or carbon front/alloy rear configurations for a better balance of cost, weight, and durability. Builders also note that riders are increasingly savvy, asking about:

Impact resistance

Crash replacement policies

Rim bed durability with tubeless setups

3. Hub Performance and Engagement Over Sound

Once obsessed with loud freehubs, today’s riders are more focused on hub engagement points and drag efficiency than the decibel level. Riders are often asking for:

Quick engagement hubs (e.g., 3.5° or faster) for technical terrain

Low-drag, high-efficiency hubs for endurance riding or racing

Maintenance-friendly designs with tool-free serviceability

Brands like DT Swiss, Industry Nine, Onyx, and White Industries are commonly requested, and some riders even bring their hubs for lacing.

4. Spoke Choices Reflect Purpose

Spoke selection has become more nuanced. Riders looking for ultra-light builds may choose bladed aero spokes (like Sapim CX-Ray), while others prefer:

Thicker straight-pull spokes for stiffness and strength

Traditional J-bend options for ease of replacement on the road

Custom lacing patterns (e.g., 2:1 or radial front / 2-cross rear) for weight distribution or aesthetics

5. Aesthetic Customization Isn’t Just a Bonus

More cyclists are treating their bikes as expressions of personality. Custom decals, colored nipples, matte or gloss finishes, and even anodized hubs and spokes are frequently requested. Wheel builders now often offer:

Color-matched decals for bike frames

Stealth builds with all-black components

Highlight builds with just one or two bold accents

6. Hookless or Hooked? Tubeless Standards Matter

With tubeless setups now standard, riders want wheels that match their preferred tire types. Hookless rims are gaining ground—especially in gravel and road wheels using 28mm+ tires—but some still ask for:

Hooked rims for better compatibility with tighter or older tubeless tires

Reinforced bead seats for low-pressure off-road performance

The debate between hookless and hooked rims continues, but informed riders are asking the right questions.

7. Weight Weenies Still Exist—But They're Smarter

Ultra-light custom builds remain a niche request, but there’s more emphasis on total system weight and real-world performance, not just grams on paper. Riders now frequently prioritize:

Ride quality over pure weight savings

Wheel balance for descending and cornering stability

Durability for events like ultra-endurance races or bikepacking trips

Conclusion: Personalization Meets Performance

The custom wheel market in 2025 reflects a maturing rider base—one that’s knowledgeable, discerning, and looking for both performance and personality. As riders grow more aware of what impacts feel, speed, and reliability on the bike, wheel builders are becoming essential partners in creating the perfect ride.

Custom wheels are no longer just about "better than stock"—they’re about building something uniquely yours.