Are there enough wheel companies out there already? If you’re Colin Esquibel, the answer is no. After leaving his position with Box Components, Colin told us he had something in the works, and at Sea Otter we got a first look – wheels. Why another wheel brand? Simply because Colin believes they can create a better product at lower prices than the competition by controlling the entire process. Every component of Spēd Precision’s wheels is of their own design, from axle to nipple. Their wheels will all feature carbon rims, made from unique molds, with their own hubs, spokes, and even proprietary carbon layup or two depending on the model.
At Sea Otter we only got a peek into what’s to come, but from the looks of things Spēd Precision will be a company to watch…
On the mountain bike side of things, Spēd was only ready to show their hubs and spokes since the rims are still being developed. When finished the wheels will be tubeless compatible and DH rims will still utilize a hook along with the Trail and Enduro rims, but the XC models will be hookless. Built with bladed straight pull spokes, the hubs will be 6 bolt and will utilize a 6 pawl freehub with 3 pawls out of phase for high engagement. When finished, MTB wheels should be priced around $1499 for XC and $1550 for Trail and Enduro.
For cyclocross use, Spēd’s CX wheelset aren’t even out yet and they’ve already notched up a win. Following suit from the MTB options, the CX wheels will have straight pull hubs with bladed spokes, the same freehub mechanism, and possibly both 6 bolt and Centerlock options. The rims for CX are finalized and will be disc only and offered in clincher, tubeless compatible, and tubular, with prices aiming for $1450.
With wheels currently entering production, expect to see the full launch at Interbike.