My Novara Safari’s factory wheels were a mixed bag. The front wheel had to be re-dished. The rear wheel was delivered in good condition – I checked it with a tensiometer – but three years later the rim blew out at one of the spoke holes. Probably that was my fault. I’m heavy, sometimes carry a heavy rear (unsprung) load and sometimes ride fast on rough surfaces.

There’s a nice value pricepoint out there: I ordered a factory built wheel from Harris Cyclery and paid $10 for them to retouch it. I like to build my own as well but was feeling lazy that day.