A practical guide to your build

By Jan Rockrohr · Last updated: 6 October 2026

A wheel change affects both the appearance of a bike and the mass of its build. This guide explains what the configurator shows, how to compare a pair of rim depths, and what you still need to check before turning a photographic preview into a real bicycle.

1. Start with a frame and its actual paint

Choose Road or TT / Triathlon at the top. The frame selector shows the active model in the middle, with neighbouring choices above and below. Scroll over the selector, use its arrows, swipe vertically on a touch screen or use the keyboard arrow keys while the selector is focused.

The paint dots select the factory-finish photographs included for that model. Read the paint name under the preview: similar white, black or metallic finishes can have different names and graphics. These are photographed references, not arbitrary colour overlays. The available models are:

The common wheel scale keeps each bicycle centred and makes visual changes easier to compare. It does not mean the frames have identical geometry or that the image represents your frame size. Frame sizing and riding position need their own check.

2. Choose the wheel series, then the depth

The Wheels selector chooses Original factory, DT Swiss ARC DICUT, ENVE SES or Zipp NSW. The separate Depth selector chooses a photographed option within that series. It remembers the selected option when you switch between wheel series.

A pair such as 50 / 56 mm means a 50 mm front rim and a 56 mm rear rim. These numbers describe rim depth, not tyre width, wheel diameter or frame clearance. A single number means the two reference rims have the same nominal depth. The original factory pair has one fixed setting, so its depth arrows are inactive.

Disc describes the solid rear wheel in the Zipp 454 + Super-9 combination. It does not mean a different brake type. The front remains a 58 mm Zipp 454 NSW. The preview is a way to inspect that combination's appearance; it is not a recommendation for every course or weather condition.

3. Wheel options in this catalogue

The table lists the selected published wheel references used by the tool. Masses refer to the pair, with the tape, valve and accessory basis explained in the weight details. Those bases differ between references, so a small numerical difference is not necessarily a like-for-like measurement.

DT Swiss entries use the specified factory front/rear article references; a photographed used pair may have a different production specification. ENVE entries use the identified INNERDRIVE wheelset weight tables. The Zipp disc combination uses separate front and rear references. Follow the links and match the exact hub and freehub version before comparing a product you plan to buy.

4. Compare mechanical and electronic groupsets

The Groupset dial contains 24 Shimano and SRAM road and drop-bar references, sorted from the lightest estimated kit to the heaviest. Use scrolling, the arrows, a vertical swipe or the keyboard as with the other selectors. The active choice shows its shifting type, number of chainrings and rear speeds, generation and estimated mass. It updates the weight while the central photograph keeps its photographed drivetrain.

Shimano's electronic choices are labelled Di2; SRAM's are labelled AXS. Mechanical options cover the corresponding road families and entry-level groups. Legacy identifies older generations, including mechanical Dura-Ace and Ultegra and SRAM 22 and 1 families. There are no invented electronic variants of Sora, Claris or Tiagra. This is a selected road catalogue, not a list of every historical or mountain-bike group.

The rounded groupset estimate includes controls, derailleurs, crankset and chainrings, cassette, chain, bottom bracket and reference brakes. Disc-kit references also allow for rotors, and electronic references allow for batteries and shift wiring. Pedals, chargers and power meters are excluded. Gearing, crank length, hoses and TT controls affect a real kit's mass. Product and photo links below identify the reference, not a verified manufacturer total.

5. Read the complete-bike weight correctly

The number below the preview is an estimated complete-bike weight without pedals. Open Weight breakdown underneath it to see Frame, Wheels, Groupset and Other components. Those four rows add to the complete-bike total. Click the main weight for further references and assumptions.

For a model with a published complete build, the calculation is: reference complete bike minus original wheelset plus selected wheelset, minus reference groupset plus selected groupset. The four published build references use Ultegra Di2. For example, the Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 Di2 starts at 7,600 g with its 1,637 g original wheels and the 2,750 g Ultegra reference-kit allowance. Choosing the 1,493 g ENVE SES 4.5 reference gives 7,456 g. Choosing the 2,350 g RED AXS kit estimate as well gives 7,056 g, displayed as approximately 7.06 kg.

For models without a verified complete-build reference, the total is frame plus wheels plus selected groupset plus the remaining estimated components: fork, cockpit, seatpost, saddle, tyres and fittings. TT estimates also allow for extensions and empty storage or hydration hardware. The selected groupset replaces the old generic drivetrain-and-brakes allowance. It is never added on top of another groupset.

For published complete builds, Other components is the reference total's remainder after subtracting frame, factory wheels and reference kit. It is not a separately measured component total. Size, paint, tyres, gearing, power meters, tape, sealant and accessories can change a real build's mass. The reference size and measurement conditions can also differ between models; weigh the assembled bike for a definite result.

6. Turn a visual choice into a compatible build

Matching an image is only the first step. Before ordering components, check the exact frame and wheel generation with the supplier. Work through wheel diameter, axle dimensions, brake mounting, freehub and cassette compatibility, internal rim width, approved tyre combinations and inflated tyre clearance.

A rim's depth alone does not answer those questions. Nor does it establish handling or aerodynamic performance: the photographed wheel, tyre shape, bicycle, rider and conditions all matter. For a rear disc, also check the manufacturer's operating guidance and your event's equipment rules.

Also check the groupset's brake system, bottom bracket, cassette/freehub, derailleur mounting and control routing. A rim-brake reference kit does not fit a disc-only frame simply because it can be selected here. The photographed drop-bar controls are reference parts; a TT cockpit may need different shifters, levers and wiring. Groupset selection compares mass and does not certify these interfaces.

Frequently asked questions

Why do some front and rear rims have different depths?

Several of the actual wheel pairs in this catalogue use different front and rear rim models. The selector reports the pair rather than pretending it is one depth. For example, ENVE SES 3.4 appears as 39 / 43 mm and SES 6.7 as 60 / 67 mm.

Can I choose any depth number?

The depth selector only offers the photographed catalogue combinations for the chosen series. It does not stretch a rim photograph to invent a new wheel model.

Does changing paint change the weight?

The tool does not measure paint mass. It can use a different original wheel reference when the catalogue photograph of a paint has a different factory pair, as on some Colnago Y1Rs finishes. That wheel-reference change can affect the estimate.

Are the wheels guaranteed to fit the selected frame?

No. The photographic layer is positioned at the wheel centres; mechanical compatibility is not simulated. Check the exact interfaces, tyre approval and clearances with the supplier.

Can I save a build or buy it here?

The current tool keeps selections only while the page is open. It has no account, saved-build database or checkout. Product links take you to outside reference sites, each with its own availability and terms.

Read About & use conditions for the preview method, or contact the operator if a reference needs correcting.