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-
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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.