Wheel Building - where to buy parts?
 

Thinking about building some wheels, mostly for the enjoyment of it, but I'd like to save some $ too. Any recommendations on where / how to source the basic parts at good prices?

I can get most of what I'm interested in at wheelbuilder.com, but when you add it all up you're not really saving much compared to having them build it for you.

Can't comment on where to buy parts, but for the cost saving there won't be any unless you can get NOS / ebay parts cheap.

I've build about 20 wheels over the last 7-8 years, none have been cheaper than buying a pre built wheel, but there are some advantages.

You get exactly what you want, you know that it's done right / any issues you have with the wheel are your fault.

Of those builds, I've had no failures due to the build, have lost 2 to MTB crashes which have damaged the rim beyond repair, and have been able to move those hubs / spokes to other rims.

Check out Sheldon Brown and Jobst Brant's book, have found them both good for how to info.

I also don't build wheels to save money- not much anyway. At the small quantities the typical homebuilder goes through it's hard to make some really good buys without a lot of shopping.

I get most of my parts from http://www.universalcycles.com/ . They do as good as anyone on parts prices for the better grade stuff, and for me one of their stores is local. That saves freight charges, and I get the benefit of inspecting goods before toting it home.

If you intend build more than one set you can find some good deals if you buy prior to needing it. I got some Open Sports at a local sidewalk sale for $10 each. Also, if you hit up some of the LBS you can once in a wheel score some decent buys. I've got a standing deal at a couple shops to buzz me when they have some slow moving stock and want to get rid of it- cheap!

Another good source for me on occasion has been www.longleafbicycles.com . They have good inventories and have been very accomodating on non-stock items. They have about the best stock of Velocities around and promptly get odd stuff that is not in stock. Even though they are clear across the country from me, I like the service. It's old school. You get on the horn and call the guy (Anthony) and if he doesn't have an immediate answer, you can expect a call back in a very short while. Also, if I were having just one set of wheels built I'd consider using these guys.

For hubs and rims, google is your friend. For spokes, the cheapest/best place I've found is www.danscomp.com

Google

Seriously...

"Basic"
"Alloy"
Replacement"
"Rims"
"Hubs"
"Stainless Steel Spokes"

All and combo of above...

=8-)