after discussing it with my dad (used to be a mechanic for a bike shop, worked as a mechanic at a few mtb races) I've decided to just buy a new wheel from iro. for what I was gonna pay for spokes, nipples, a rim, and not to mention my time in lacing the wheel, I can get a solid wheel with cartidge bearings (as opposed to the loose ball in the suze hub). maybe some day when I've got a spare rim and spokes laying around I'll lace it up, but for now, an IRO will be the winner.