Originally Posted by rapidcarbon
OK, can some one tell me what makes a custom set better than prebuilt? If it's stronger, then by what test? or just from your opinions? If it's better then in what aspects? And how much it gonna cost me?
I paid for a set of Campy Eurus or Mavic SSL for just 625, my LBS can true them, replace spokes without sending them in. So far I have not sent them in to get them fixed yet.
Hand built wheels have more constant spoke tension around the wheel, they go out of true less often, parts are cheaper, the wheels weigh less and are less expensive. I also consider them to be a more comfortable ride. On the down side they have worse resale value if go to sell them and they have less bling (the reason behind the lower resale value.) My pair of Garcias cost $400 using his hubs and the DT Swiss rims.