Originally Posted by nfmisso

Some of comments:

1. Velocity is an Australian company.
2. DT Swiss is European; I use Wheelsmith spokes; top quality made in Wisconsin. That said, I use Asian hubs.....
3. I learned to build my own since I got very tired of paying over and over for other's incompetence - like Drew said. Sheldon Brown's website has good instructions.
4. high tension is important.
5. SS14 (2.0mm) straight gauge spokes are strong and inexpensive.
6. 36 spokes MIN; 40 spokes is better.
7. You can not go wrong with Peter White's wheels - read his website, he is a straight opinionated person, and builds very safe wheels.