Originally Posted by
mikeonthemadone
Having run MANY pairs of untouched stock wheels and a few pairs of handbuilt wheels, I will say I personally see so little difference long term between the two that I don't really worry myself about it. I have seen a handful of lemons on customer bike and the worst pair I saw were handbuilt by someone who thought they knew what they were doing! Always have a competent person check everything over before leaving on a trip. That's the lesson.
That is good to hear. I'm 30 yrs out of the business but I remember some Motobecanes that had to be trued just to run between the brake pads ok. Since then I've had one new bike purchase six years ago, a Surly LHT, and was pleased with the wheels.