Colwood Wheel Works

Colwood Wheel Works: bicycle and classic motorcycle wheels and restoration in Hailsham

Colwood Wheel Works is a workshop based in the town of Hailsham, East Sussex (United Kingdom), dedicated to the repair and restoration of older bicycle and motorcycle wheels. Its owner, Vince Warner, also works in wheel building and repair, and presents himself as one of the few remaining specialists in the restoration of the well-known Sturmey Archer hubs.

Motorcycle wheel building and repair

The workshop handles everything from a simple retrue to get through an MOT to a complete wheel rebuild. The company describes its service as that of a small family business, with rates it considers competitive and direct attention for quotes or enquiries.

Bicycle wheels: more than five decades of craft

Vince Warner learned the trade from his father in the 1960s and has more than 50 years of experience in bicycle wheel building. The workshop emphasises the quality of the result: well-trued wheels with the correct tension, built by a craftsman with experience in older bicycles.

Sturmey Archer hub repair and restoration

The most notable speciality of Colwood Wheel Works is the servicing and repair of Sturmey Archer hubs manufactured between 1921 and 2000. The workshop states that it can return almost any hub from that period to working order, subject to parts availability. The age or condition of the hub is not considered an obstacle to attempting its recovery.

Classic bicycle repair and restoration

In addition to wheel work, the workshop offers a full servicing and repair service for older bicycles, along with advice on restoration issues to help get the bicycle back on the road.

Wheel building and restoration training courses

Colwood Wheel Works runs courses teaching how to build and repair spoked wheels and Sturmey Archer hubs. The training is aimed both at those who need to learn for practical reasons and at those who wish to acquire a craft skill. The courses are full-day and accept a maximum of two people per session, which guarantees individual attention. The programme includes refreshments and lunch for participants. The company also offers free-access video content on bicycle and motorcycle wheel building via the website excellentwheels.com.

A workshop for bicycles and motorcycles with history

Colwood Wheel Works' activity is aimed at owners of older bicycles and motorcycles who want to preserve and put their vehicles back into use. The workshop combines technical repair with the transmission of knowledge, through courses that seek to keep a rare craft alive.

Location and contact

Phone: 01323 848667