Heraclitus

I want to buy a rear wheel w/ flip flop for an 80s Raleigh frame that I recently acquired to be my first fixed gear for commuting and just rolling all over town. I sometimes go to an LBS that I think is a pretty good shop, and they are of course willing to build, or buy a QBP wheel for me, but they don't seem to have any fixed gear riders to help with advice/knowledge, and I do not think I would get a great price. I have been through the forums a bunch. I have been to Sheldon Brown's site a bunch. I have seen lots of varied information, and have found it difficult to come to a final conclusion. Currently, for the sake of simply getting on with it, I am leaning towards ordering from Harris Cyclery: IRO hub with mavic MA3. I was going to get the 32 spoke. I am about 185 lbs.

Any advice in 2 areas:
1. Is that a decent wheel at a competitive price? Should I go with 36 spoke just to make sure it is a bomber that will last? Any other good/favorite options to consider?
2. Any bike shops in the area between Pasadena, the Valley and down to Hollywood/LA where I could go for help and knowledge on fixed gear wheels etc.?

Thanks to any and all who might chime in and keep me on the road to building knowledge in this area. I am good with maintenance and mechanics, but I just don't feel up to building my own wheel. However, once I have the wheel I figure I can tinker and buy parts as needed to get the chainline and other elements dialed in and functioning.

junioroverlord

You really don't need an ungodly amount of spokes to make a really tough wheel. As far as shops go there is Open Roads Cyclery in Pasadena where you can get lots of info. The downside there is that Steve still phone orders and it takes FOREVER to get things in or any sort of work done. The plus side is Steve is super nice and super knowlegable.

Velo Pasadena is also an option, they know quite a bit, but I'm not too sure as to how newbie friendly they are, they tend to be a little standoffish.

I bought my wheels online and had Steve lace them up at Open Roads. If you're just using your bike for cruising around time I would recommend just picking up a set from IRO online. They build good wheels for a fair price and you'd get them rather quick.

ba ba bikey

I've got to put in a plug for the Helen's bike shop chain, including I. Martin on Olympic and Beverly. I just finished my first fixie with their help, and they even waived a lot of the labor fees for the stuff I couldn't do myself. I ordered a wheelset from them at a very competitive price with IRO hubs and Mavic Rims, and they had them for me in 4 days. Nice bunch of cats too.

Heraclitus

Thanks for the input from the gents above. I have been to Open Road. Steve is an interesting guy and he has been helpful to me before, but I guess I would just say amicably that he seems like can be a little inconsistent. I have been to I Martin once when I happened to be in the neighborhood and I did have a good chat with one of the guys on the floor there, who ended up cutting me a little discount on a messenger bag. It's a bit out of the way but I may find a reason to go to that side of town and see what they have to say.

I saw another wheelset posting this morning centered around a potential ebay purchase. It is still sounding like IRO hubs are decent middle of the road to start with. Give or take $30-50 will not break me; I would just like to know I am getting a fair deal on a decent quality product. If anybody has specific suggestions I am still listening.

Surferbruce

Another vote for Helen's, particularly the Santa Monica location. top notch wrenchs.

Surferbruce

btw, I have an IRO basic wheelset and am very happy with them.

whoo-flung-poo

have you checked out the folks at the bicycle kitchen?

https://www.bicyclekitchen.com/

they have wheel building classes and can order you parts.

323.662.2776

Sat/Sun: 12-6
M: 10-5 (close for dinner) 6:30-9:30pm
T/W/TH: 6:30-9:30pm
Closed Friday