Originally Posted by
vesteroid
I will go on and add, that I see lots of folks talking about building their own wheels and even their bike shop building wheels for them. Watching someone who truly builds 50-60 wheelsets a week is a true artform. I think as with most things, that many of the LBS guys who build a set or two each month, and all of the home guys who may build a set a year, dont hold a candle to the real wheel builders.
When I started retro-fitting my old Trek the first thing I considered was wheels. I weigh 400 lbs so these are clearly the most critical component for me. I was already familiar with Rivendell Bicycle Works and their wheel builder Rich Lesnik. I was also aware of Peter White. Both buys are professional wheel builders who specialized in strong but light wheelsets.
My preference was to support a local shop so I inquired at several and asked what components and how much. I already had decided what I wanted based on information from Rich and Peter and none of the local shops specified those components. Most importantly, the prices I was quoted were $20 less than Rivendell's wheels. Rich Lesnik has built 6000 wheels and counting and I have no idea how many the local guys build but I'm guessing it's not something they do a lot. I decided to go with a pro and ordered my wheels online.
I'm not that mechancially inclined and I have even less patience so I greatly admire anyone who can tackle wheel building and be successful. I'll be happy to learn how to adjust my brakes and derailleurs.
