Mountain Biking - Buying wheels online?

Is it a good idea to buy it online? It cost half the price. Anyone successful? Share your stories.

Enh, my Shimano XT hubs broke less than 6 months after I bought them. But I ended up getting the repair for free anyway. Just don't buy Shimano hubs :o

http://merchant.cboss.com/ProductDetail.asp?ID=00149QGBXGPLVPIIFUFMMVPYMZBBYLHUSJFKWYLFKZVQSQKOXD&CategoryID=4140&ProductID=17372

Good deal?

I have bought 3 wheels online and only have excellent reviews. Maybe I lucked out and found a good builder :)

I have bought online too. I would really hate to be a LBS right now and try to compete with these online guys, I always give one of the area shops my business first but when there are a dozen or so good online sources you can almost always find what you want either on sale, or at least WAY cheaper than the shops. About the only thing the shops have left is complete bikes and service, I have noticed service getting better.

Did anyone see MBA's poll results, something like 70% of respondents said they build their own bikes from the frame up...

I don't think I'll ever buy a stock bike from a LBS ever again personally. After building up my first bike and realizing how easy it is, I'm going to build the next bike I ride as well. It's not rocket science and it's way easier than working on a car. Once you do your first one it's pretty much smooth sailing from there. The best part is that you get to put whatever parts you want on it, and you dont have to replace any junk parts you dislike later on down the road. I couldn't be happier with my bike.

You can frame-up build a bike with parts and tool purchase for much cheaper than any LBS. The service at an LBS can be worthwhile, though, if a suspension fork fails or any warranty issue comes up. It's tough, 'cause a good LBS is worth supporting, as it is the single face to the general community with respect to cycling.

i bought my wheels online from excelsports.com.