Bicycle Mechanics - Looking for Wheelbuilder in NYC (that will let me keep my arms and legs)

Hello folks:

Ok, so I bought a couple of Deep V rims and a couple of 105 hubs. I'm looking for someone who can build these up strong for me (and supply spokes). I've been calling around and I'm getting quotes of $150 for the whole job (most reasonable)

I know myself and I currently do NOT have the patience/time/skill/know-how to build these myself. Can anyone recommend a wheelbuilder who can make these @ a slightly more affordable price.

Notes: They're both 32h, I'm 230lbs, I commute 20 miles daily, my old 700c's came to an unexpected demise, I'm currently commuting on my old beater 30lbs mtb (which, though a great challenge, is killing me slowly, lol)

HELP!

I posted here instead of on the "Regional:Northeast" thread because I figured a wheelbuilder in Wherever, USA may know a guy who knows a guy in NYC.

Thanks in advance.

I was looking for a while also and settled with Bike Works:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bike-works-new-york

I needed a front wheel to match my Deep V rear. I got a used 105 hub(laced 3 way before) from
Recycle a Bicycle, a Deep V rim(32 holes) as an upgrade for the OEM wheels on my bike - from my LBS.
Went to Bike Works and requested double butted Wheelsmith spokes to match my rear. This was 2 years
ago, I think labor was $40 and the spokes were $1 each. They held up pretty well. I'm around 200 lbs.,
commute 35 miles round trip and do a long weekend ride(50-80 miles).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFyXxrqWbPA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFyXxrqWbPA

$150 to supply 64 spokes and build 2 wheels? Sounds pretty reasonable to me.

As long as you're not in a serious rush, I'll do the job for $110, + shipping if needed, or you can make a long subway run. I'm in Mount Vernon, about a mile from the end of the #2 train. (there's a bus you can transfer to for free.

The price includes Wheelsmith SS DB spokes & bras nipples.

Email me through the Chain-L site if interested.

http://www.718c.com/home/services-and-pricing/

They charge $50 a wheel..at least according to the website and they also do wheel building classes for free..in two parts every Saturday..first I'd buy the spokes and nipples and then I'd give it a go on the free wheel build class..(free use if tools) and if you don't like the final product you can have them true the wheels for $20 or just shell out the $100 for the build.

This place is awesome--I'm sure the wheels are good too--if not, their after sale service is pretty awesome as well.

http://www.718c.com/home/services-and-pricing/

.

This is a good shop --- the newest Chain-L dealer. The price if you figure the spokes is close to the $150/pr you've been quoted, but they're knowledgeable, caring people, plus they're convenient to you.

Another good shop in the area is Bicycle Habitat, but I'm more familiar with the staff at the main location in SoHo.

If you go to a shop, one way to judge what you'll get is whether they ask you questions about your weight, wheel problem history, and what you're hoping for with these wheels. If they just take your hubs, rims and money without asking questions, you may get good wheels, but won't do better than par.

Wow. I'd never heard of 718C before. I guess I'll check them out first, and if I mess it up royally then have their people do it. Thanks for the offer @FBinNY

Thanks a lot for the info everyone else!

I've had both Mark Purdy and Dave Sommerville at iFIXBYX on West 37th Street (http://ifixbyx.com/site/) build up some wheels for me recently, and they did a wonderful job. Highly recommended.

A lot of my cycling friends have recommended Yi at Conrad's in Tudor City for wheelbuilding, but I have no first-hand experience with his work.

Considering the cost of spokes and how long it takes to build wheels, $150 doesn't sound too out of line, especially in NYC. I recommend learning to do it yourself. Once you learn how it's fun, I promise!