FRWW

Reserve SL/HD 240 EXP Build

After swearing off plastic hoops for what seems like the last half-decade due to a series of unfortunate events, I feel like those dark memories are sufficiently purged to allow for yet another foray into experimentation.

The latest dream build sports a Reserve 30 SL rim up front and the 30 HD variety out back. Both laced to DT’s new EXP 240 hubs. Although there was some hesitation on hub choice based on circulating rumors of the revised ratchet mechanism being failure-prone, we figured why not go full send? This particular wheelset is destined for light-to-medium trail duties, most likely being swapped for something more appropriate once park and alpine season come round.

Why mix and match the SL and HD rims you might ask? Why not? When was the last time you damaged your front rim?… Well I am sure this won’t end that way. The theory here is that a more radially compliant front rim should provide a better ride quality while offsetting some of the weight of the seemingly now-mandatory dual foam pool-noodle insert setup.

Once we have some more time running this setup, we will let you know if the theory holds any air.

What Have We Been Working On?

Over the last two seasons we have witnessed a pandemic, a global supply shock and the subsequent economic ramifications that we are still reeling from, along with various other world-changing events. Some of these events have shifted our habits, others have changed their perspectives. We haven’t changed our gear-related obsessions and general bike nerdery.

I have made a slight career-focused adjustment to working in a systems engineering role. Unfortunately, this means that I will necessarily be spending less time building wheels and performing wheel services. This doesn’t mean that Front Range Wheel Works is closing up shop. We still have our “Internal R&D” divison, hard at work testing gear and products. Hopefully, this transition will actually lead to an even more creative and informative purpose to this site.

Here is a quick taste of some of the products and DIY projects we have been testing:

The stories, reviews, and conclusion behind these images will be posted shortly. We promise.

New Content

We are hard at work adding new content, all of which you can find here. If you are looking for our custom wheel building pages click here or the image below.

Why obsess over wheels? Find out.

Next Up: Bike and Gear Reviews

We promised more content and we are going to deliver.

Over the next few months we will be publishing some first-ride and long term gear reviews. Here are a few of the items we will be covering:

SROAD 12 Speed Cassette

We put down the cash so you don’t have to.

Transition Sentinel V2

2020 or 2021 Sentinel? I call it the new long-term test bed.

Timber Mountain Bike Bell

A necessity for crowded Front Range trails?

Tubolito Mountain Bike Tubes

A tubed renaissance or just another flat tire?

UPDATE: The Tubolito long-term review is live! Find it here

Recent updates

Like the new digs? We have a brand new website that is about to be filled with fantastic content. We have recently moved to a new commerce platform that will be online shortly

Check back soon!