Southern California - Local Wheelbuilder Competitive with Mike Garcia?

Want to buy a set of lightweight wheels and was thinking about going with Mike Garcia. Seems to offer quality product and good prices. Problem is I'd prefer not to have to ship the wheels back East if something goes wrong. Anyone around here (S.F. Valley, or not too far from here, preferably) come close to his prices and quality/service?

There are quite a few quality builder locally, the price you pay is probly going to be more then you will pay from a guy like Mike Garcia, D.T. Speeddream, Joe Young, Ergott. $750 for a set of alloy hand built wheels built locally is what my friend paid for open pro's on white ind. hubs....ouch! www.wheelbuilder.com is local (El Monte) but expect to pay retail.

NRRider I sent you a PM. I'm in Encino and have decent experience building wheels, most of which have gone 10 years without needing to be trued. Rates are extremely reasonable since I do this for fun.

As a destroyer of wheels, the first builder I ever found who could make a wheel last a year was Dave Knudsen. Last I heard he was at All Pro Bikes in Simi. Top notch, really.
Now I'm easier on stuff but still rougher than most and I use Richard Weeden at Bicycle John's in Burbank. Great guy, will take care of the wheels for you after you start beating on them and will even let you bring them by his house.

As a destroyer of wheels, the first builder I ever found who could make a wheel last a year was Dave Knudsen. Last I heard he was at All Pro Bikes in Simi. ...
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