Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,645
Likes: 1,109
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
All of my wheels have been bought used, often in the form of a complete bike. Hundreds of wheels, over the years. Given the PO's location, look aggressively, and find some good used wheels.
Rochester, IL should have good hunting, I have done well finding bikes in Illinois.
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Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.