Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Upgrading Opinions

So, a couple weeks after finishing my latest build, the itch has returned.
My plan to scratch said itch is to give my '04 Pista new life.
I'm getting it powdercoated, for starters, and building up a 20-spoke Bontrager hub laced to a Alex DA28 for the front wheel.
Now my question is, what should I do for the rear wheel?

My latest build, and my main bike, has Suzue Pro Max laced to Deep Vs.
So, as much as I love my Pro Max, I'd like to try something different - and something less expensive.
What would be an upgrade from the stock Pista hubs yet still be affordable?
Surly?
Nashbar?
Miche?

Any advice and thoughts are appreciated.

My LBS has a set of Record Pista hubs 36 3x laced to mavic tubs, is 225 breaking the bank?

Formula/Deep V seems to be a fairly popular combo. If you like the Deep Vs you'll probably like them with Formula hubs

My LBS has a set of Record Pista hubs 36 3x laced to mavic tubs, is 225 breaking the bank?

Why must you tempt me? :)
I'm going to say yes, and really only because I'm looking for just a rear.

How do stock Pista hubs, Formula, and Nashbar compare?

Rumor has it that Nashbar = Formula...

hmmm... don't have any xp with the nashbar stuff, but my surly hub is pretty sweet. i got teh black one. and i might even end up threading a freewheel cog on there...

if you don't want the flip flop action, i'd say take a look at the miche hub. i got my pair for.... 250 canadian, i think, and i really like them. been on them six months now and no problems, still smooth, still look good, no problems whatsoever.

b

Are any of these affordable rear hub options (Surly, Nashbar, Formula, Miche) really any better than the stock Pista hub I already have?

Rumor has it that Nashbar = Formula...

the other, (more correct) rumor has them being Joytechs.

hmmm... don't have any xp with the nashbar stuff, but my surly hub is pretty sweet. i got teh black one. and i might even end up threading a freewheel cog on there...

if you don't want the flip flop action, i'd say take a look at the miche hub. i got my pair for.... 250 canadian, i think, and i really like them. been on them six months now and no problems, still smooth, still look good, no problems whatsoever.

b

$250? geez, who gouged you that bad?

Well, I went ahead and ordered the Nashbar.
I figures, if it's not a wholesale upgrade, at least it will give me an extra pair of quality wheels for a future endeavor.
And for $39, that is definitely worth it.

can you powdercoat the chrome pistas? I heard you can't because nothing sticks to the chrome. Any truth to that?

can you powdercoat the chrome pistas? I heard you can't because nothing sticks to the chrome. Any truth to that?

A guy at my LBS (where I'm getting the powdercoating done) had his Pista powdercoated. So, I guess it's fine.

I've never heard that before but I doubt it. I mean, the Pista's clearcoat sticks fine.

cool - good luck. How much is a powdercoat run?

cool - good luck. How much is a powdercoat run?

I'm getting it done for about $150 (that only includes 1 coat though, so I might spend more to get a thicker cover).