Well maybe some of the response is not just to do with custom built vs pre built as much as its to do with traditional wheel design/spec vs new fangled low spoke count wheels. I'm back riding Sora 32 spoke 3 cross wheels after using Shimano 550's and honestly the Sora's are great. Stiff and responsive yet with a good ride. The real point being that a newer design isn't nessecarily a better design.

So if you want a nice pair of 32 spoke 3 cross or 28 hole 2 cross you need to go custom these day's but it shouldn't have to be that way.

Seriously have some nice hubs built with lightweigh butted spokes/aero spokes, a good rim and go for a cross patern front and rear and you won't be disapointed. They will be light, stiff, ride well and probably end up costing no more than fashionable but poor performing low spoke count wheels.

Regards, Anthony