Great Lakes - Wheel Builder/shop Minnesota?

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puckpack

02-28-09, 12:22 PM

Hello,

I was hoping someone could recommend a wheel builder/shop in the Minneapolis area? I am looking to replace wheels for a Cannondale Synapse. I am a clyde (250 lbs) and need something sturdy!

Thanks

Wiswell

02-28-09, 04:33 PM

Start with this guy.
http://www.bobbrowncycles.com/story.htm

There was an article a few years back in the Star Tribune about this fellow at 400+ pounds who wanted a bike built for him, and Bob Brown was the only one willing to do it (complete bike). BTW the guy now weights 180.

You also might want to post your question on the Clyde Forum since you sound like you are concerned about your size.

puckpack

02-28-09, 07:47 PM

Thanks for the info, I will check it out.

I am not to worried about my size affecting things, I just need to make sure to have the right spoke count! And pedal more this summer.:)

Milice

02-28-09, 08:43 PM

puckpack

02-28-09, 08:59 PM

Talk to you local LBS owner, He should be able to do itor tell you who can. Remember in years past there wasn't all the boutique wheelbuilders there are now. If you wantsometing other then the stock wheels that were on your bike you built them up from parts.

I have heard horror stories about poorly built wheels, I have very little faith in my wheel building abilities. Isn't it fairly expensive as well?

gomango

03-01-09, 10:27 AM

I have many shops I can easily recommend: County Cycle, Hiawatha Cyclery, Grand Performance, Freewheel, The Hub, Now Sports- All of these places and many more have really talented wheelbuilders and mechanics to take care of this matter. As a recommendation, go for Ultegra hubs/ DT spokes, and Mavic Open Pro or Velocity Aerohead rims. 32 or 36 spokes per wheel should do the trick! You can probably get these built for $350-400, and I think you get what you pay for.

puckpack

03-01-09, 03:08 PM

Thanks gomango! I was thinking of Mavic or Velocity, I have read good things about those brands working well with Clydes.

grimace308

03-31-09, 03:11 AM

id recommend mavic ksyrium equipe, or elites for the stouter lad. i roll elites and im 245

if you want a really good handbuilt wheel, reed or ben @ one on one are the guys to ask. reed is the, best, wheelbuilder in north america, imo.

chuck @ behind bars