Originally Posted by
prathmann
I agree that it makes sense to at least build one or two wheels before bothering to get a truing stand unless you're really sure that you'll be using it a lot. I built myself a few wheels before seeing a really cheap truing stand for sale (very bare-bones for about $10) that I've been using ever since. My wheels have also held up fine until the rim brake track eventually gets too thin.
I haven't seen much correlation between the quality of wheel builds and the cost of the tools used in the process.
You're logic fails. Do you also inflate your tires simply eyeballing the pressure? If you don't get a flat in 500 miles, then proceed to purchase a pump? If you want to build your first wheel, I'd then suggest borrowing a stand before you buy.
I agree the cost is irrelevant.
If you know what you're doing, an inexpensive stand works as well as an expensive one, the process is just not as fast since you usually can only do one side on a cheap one, then need to flip the wheel..