Does Hands on Wheels build custom wheels?

Yes. Hands on Wheels specializes in hand-built bicycle wheels made in San Francisco. The shop's founder, Rich Lesnik, builds wheels designed to handle heavy loads and punishment.

What is the wheelbuilder's background?

Rich Lesnik, the shop's wheelbuilder, holds a BA in US History from the University of Pennsylvania and has worked in diverse fields including cab driving, cooking, teaching, librarianship, recording engineering, and aircraft mechanics before becoming a bicycle wheelbuilder.

How durable are wheels built by Hands on Wheels?

According to customer feedback on the shop's website, wheels built by Hands on Wheels have demonstrated longevity without requiring truing or tensioning after thousands of miles of use.