I've built a couple wheels in my time, usually for specific applications where a pre-fab doesn't offer what I want (like a specific hub / rim combination, cool colored spokes, etc). Unless you get a really sick deal on parts, it's usually not much cheaper to build than buy. But it looks great on a resume if you ever want to become a mechanic and rolling around on wheels YOU built is pretty satisfying.
My next project is a new set of wheels for my flatland bike...Duralectra black ano rims laced radially to a Vandero up front and
3 leading 3 trailing to a Reloader freecoaster in the rear, both with blue spokes.
