Commuting - Wheel Conundrum – LBS or Online Catalog?

My rear wheel is toast. This sucks because I was just going to get a set of Armadillos, and now this expense pops up. Anyhow, one of the LBS's I go to is a *very* good wheel man. He says he can build me a new wheel using my old Altus hub for $100 - and claims it would be "bombproof" (he knows what I'm commuting over and on).

OTOH, a very nice wheel set on Nashbar with arguably better hubs is on sale for $99. Now, with shipping and everything, I'd be looking at $125 but that's for a set, brand new. There's even a set with the same hubs that I have for $49! There are even cheaper sets, but I want something strong and that will take a beating and the $100 threshold seems to be the dividing line. Plus I'd be replacing both of the cruddy OE wheels at the same time.

Anyhow, do I do my pocketbook right and get the wheel set from Nashbar or do I get the good LBS wheel for $100? I'm all about small time local business and actively try to buy from local shops and manufacturers, but $100 difference is a big deal for me. In my heart, though, I want the LBS to build the wheel and say "F the man!". I mean, part of making local business a priority is making sacrifices, and most times that's in price. In the long run, $100 wont really matter, but to the small business owner it does.

What does everyone suggest?

I look at the LBS markup as a consultation and service fee. Is the markup worth the service you are getting? If so, pay it. If not, get what's cheapest.

In your case, get whichever will work better in the long run. But remember, if you have trouble with the LBS' own "bombproof" set, you will have a much easier time getting service. Service is part of "the long run."

Overwhelmingly, LBS. Machine built wheels usually require tweaking. A LOT of tweaking. IF you know the guy is a good wheelbuilder, go with him. They are hard to find. You can customize your spokes and you can always go back to the guy for adjustments, which I am sure will popup. With Nashbar, you got no place to go. :) You will end up going back to the same LBS and the guy will be none too pleased.

I consider (hand) wheelbuilding a very esoteric art that not very many people are good at. So, when you know somebody who is good, and has a reputation don't hesitate to use him.,

Yeah, I had actually forgotten about service. This guy is good, and his wheels have a lifetime warranty. Plus he's right on my commute route, so I stop in if I get a flat and forget to bring a patch or tube, or to pick up this or that. He definately stands by his work, and I'm glad you mentioned that part.

I actaully thought of a third alternative:
Right now I'm totally out of commission due to this wheel thing (although this weekend I may "adapt" an old Shimano 3 speed hub wheel and shifter - I'll post if that experiment gets off the ground!). I want to be back on the road NOW!!! LOL

Anyhow, a this option could be to 1) get the cheap set from Nashbar to get on the road then 2) when money permits have the LBS build me a GOOD set of wheels and then 3) use the cheap set as back ups or swap to the beater roadster.

Hmmmm....

After seeing the above post - screw it!! LBS it is!!

Have your shop build it up.
The Nashbar wheels are going to go out and will need to be re-trued anyway. Your wheel guy will build a better wheel, even with an old hub.

If it bothers you, try to ask if the can knock $10 off or something... not sure what retail prices are but $100 sounds expensive to build up one wheel on a old hub.

What does everyone suggest?

I would go with the the LBS build too.

Ask how much it would be to build a wheel with a hub you buy from them. You can definitely get a better hub than altus for pretty cheap money, and you would not have the service charge of cutting the spokes and removing the old hub. Alternatively I bought a machine built wheelset from my LBS (Deore Disk, Rhyno Lyte) for $120. This was about $20-$30 more than I have seen them on-line for, but they tensioned and trued the wheel, and I have them as a resource if I have any real problems. The wheelset has been great.

My commuter bike has a handbuilt Altus hub. It is strong and sound, and runs well. The seals are not so good, but if you pack them with grease, nothing gets in.

Go with the local guy. Nashbar's not going to touch up your wheel when you whack a pothole.