Originally Posted by Mr. Beanz

Most stuff sold in shops are pre built wheels ordered through their suppliers. You will want it hand built.

Finding a real builder in the shop is hard, Most guys don't know how to build a good wheel. Some shops have a good guy but I've met too many that aren't but try to be. My guess is they can't build a good wheel so they are avoiding it, they would rather lie adn telly the stock wheel wil be fine. If the shop was a good shop wth a good builder, they would be more than happy to build the wheel for you. But it costs good money, most times money new riders aren't willing to spend.

A good wheel for you would be 36, but maybe a 40 tandem hub with a 30 mm profile rim ( I like Velocity but there are others). Then the cost of spokes and labor. I'd say this wheel could cost you $300. Seems like a lot but spending $700 for a bike that you can't and won't want to ride after continuous wheel problems is more of a waste. That is the rear wheel alone. Later down the road you may need the front, but it will be less expensive, $200'ish.