2_4_DiscoverBenelux_13_Januar_2014_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 17/12/2014 15:23 Page 48

Bespoke wheels from Belgian experts From his well-loved workshop just outside of Flanders' Aalst, master wheelbuilder and cycling aficionado Kris Seminck explains that the process of wheel building is a craft form that cannot be rushed. TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE  |  PHOTOS: SWS CYCLING

The  SWS  story  started  in  2006  and combines a passion for cycling, craftsmanship,  high  quality  components  and specific  technical  knowledge.  After  an extensive  discussion  with  the  client, SWS  wheels  are  produced  entirely  by hand and designed to enhance your ride for years to come, and clients take extreme pride in Kris’ workmanship. 

est possible costs, confronting them with certain limitations,” replies Kris Seminck to the question of why to choose hand-built bicycle wheels. For serious cyclists, wheels are not just an integral part of the bike; the influence is felt in its handling, comfort and performance,  making  them  one  of  the bike's most worthwhile investments.

to the performance and long term durability of wheels, Seminck performs tension uniformity measurements on every single wheel – a process which demands a  tolerance  standard  for  spoke  tension well  beyond  industry  standard  values. Seminck  is  convinced  that  this  is  the only  way  to  guarantee  that  wheels  are reliable and perform to their potential. 

Committed to perfection “Mass manufactured wheels just can't provide the quality that we do at SWS. These days the big brands have other priorities, such as high volume production at the low-

48 |  Issue 13 |  January 2015

Many companies are not able to invest the  time  to  balance  spoke  tension  and extensive  spoke  stress  relief  as  SWS does. However, as this process is critical

“SWS is committed to produce the highest  quality  wheels,”  he  says  passionately, “and yes, this does mean it takes me  more  time  to  build  these  wheels.