So, I know i'm new to this particular forum, but I'm hoping you guys can still help me out. My partner and I are on the verge of launching our own custom line of forged monoblock and forged 3 piece wheels. We will be competing in quality and design with such brands as iForged, ADV1, HRE, etc, but we are aiming at keeping our prices a bit more affordable.

Between my partner and I, we have a plethora of knowledge when it comes to wheels and wheel fitment... although most of our expertise is with JDM/japanese wheel lines. We are looking to deliver a fresh new "twist" on blending JDM wheel styles with euro/more "luxury sport" wheel styles.

So my question is, what particular wheel designs would all you guys like to see? As far as more 5 spoke, multi spoke, concave, etc?

Any particular "older" style wheels that anyone thinks could be revived with a new "twist"?

Anything you all would like to see being done differently than the current wheel trends, whether it be the customization, the finishes, the ordering process/turn arounds, customer service, etc?

Any opinions and suggestions are greatly appreciated! Be on the lookout for some killer new wheel designs soon!

 

I'd like to see forged monoblock with lips.
There are a jillion 1 piece cast with lips. Why can't companies make 1 piece forged with lips?
HRE tried it but they cost as much as the multipiece line.

I'm a 5 spoke man and I know it's hard to come up with something new for that design but there are many possible variations. Just find something that makes your wheels instantly recognizabe without being over the top.

I know you didn't ask for this but more important than designs....never promise something you can't do and stand behind your product and you'll go a long way.

 

I have developed tons of wheels in my career. Allot of companies I’ve designed for are just to the right in the sponsor column. One thing I've found is that 3 wheel styles will sell year after year, a mesh, 5 spokes, and 10 spokes. With introduction of the mono-blocks, odd numbers of spokes have become more popular, 7 spokes and 9 spokes along with the concave look. Ice is right, "less is more", and cleaner designs will sell much better. The main idea will be to have your designs made in the forged blank and ready to cut the pad, open the bore, and drill the bolt circle to nail the vehicle fitment. That will help inventory management, no business owner wants stuff on the shelf he can’t sell. In house finishing will also go along way to getting your product into your customer’s hands before your competitor. Timing is everything….
Designs are secondary, the key is customer service! A customer wants his wheels as soon as possible and no problems. If it take 3 months to fix a problem you’ll get a post like the written on 6/21. It doesn’t matter how cheap your product is, if I see a post like that one, I will never ever do business with that company even if they gave me a free set of wheels.


“The customer is still king!”

 

5-7-9-10 spokes that do not start at the lip but look as actual traditional spokes in a wheel. A nice clean and wide lip and sufficient air to evacuate the hot air and show the caliper / rotor in a balanced manner.

 

Thank you guys for the suggestions!

great insight, I appreciate the response! can you lead me to this thread from 6/21 you were referring to?

 

Accurate lead times! Nothing is worse then waiting 6 months when you have been told 6 weeks. I went through this before and it was a big deciding factor for my latest purchase with ADV.1 instead of another company who will remain nameless...

 

Magnesium wheels for less than the cost of a few organs. I know it costs more to produce but the mark up could be a bit less to compete. As for design, keep it clean. I wash mine weekly and value a simple easy to clean design.