There’s a lot to like about the prototype Alienation BMX Nirvana hubs, but a set of hubs is only half the story. For our Project Nirvana, we wanted to build a wheelset that would do these hubs justice, something that would hold up to the tests we have in mind.

We paired the prototype Nirvana hubs with a set of superlight, polished-alloy 20-inch Alienation Mischief rims. Once we had all the ingredients together, there was only one person we were trusting with the build — ECI’s master wheel builder, Andy.

Because when you’re building a set of wheels like this, you want them built properly.

Andy worked his magic, and the finished wheelset came back looking seriously impressive. On the scales, the complete wheels tipped in at just 1.495 kg (3.3 lb) — that’s without the axles, cog and rotor.

Lightweight? Absolutely. But the polished Mischief rims combined with the unique octagonal Nirvana hub shells also give the wheels a seriously cool look. These suckers are ready to race and built to take some serious abuse (not intentionally – of course).

Tyres? Naturally, Alienation.

To complete the package, we went with Alienation’s Blue Label tyres.

On the rear, we fitted the Alienation R2 20 x 1.75, while the front gets the slightly wider F1 20 x 1.95.

Both tyres are tubeless-ready, although for now we’re keeping things simple and running tubes. Once we’ve had some time on the bike, we’ll look at making the switch to a full tubeless setup.

At this stage, everything is ready to go.

The wheels are built, the tyres are fitted, the weight weenies are impressed and you have a big thumbs up from me.

Now there’s only one thing left to do — put them on a bike and start riding.

Project Nirvana is officially rolling.

Watch this space.

Want to know more?

Find out more about Alienation BMX products at alienationbmx.com