Okay, I'm kind of pissed off so sorry if this comes of as rant-ish, my question is at the bottom so you can skip the rant if you prefer.
Last Thursday, I ordered a custom built road bike from the LBS I have been shopping faithfully at for 3 years. This looks to be the third bike I've bought from them. But there is a problem now.
It was supposed to be done yesterday, so I went in to pick it up in the evening and it wasn't quite there yet. That's fine, if I'm spending 2 grand on a bike, I don't want them to rush through the build. But if I spend 2 grand on a bike I expect a decent set of components. And what I saw when I took a look at the bike made my jaw drop (not in a good way). I specifically chose a Masi Aluminum / Carbon fork and seat stays frame, full Shimano 105 groupset and Speedplay pedals, and that all was in place. I told the shop owner that I didn't have a preference on wheels, but wanted something in the 300-400 dollar range. He knows how I'm going to ride the bike and he said he'd give me something nice.
If "something nice" means an entry level no-name brand wheelset "made in Italy" (with Shimano hubs), then I'd hate to see his idea of "entry level" or "mediocre". I expect more for my money and am almost insulted to see such cheap crap. I feel like he is taking me for a fool.
Anyway. here is what he put on my bike
(Hosted on my own site so don't whine about hotlinking)
http://vueltausa.com/products/road-w...s/starlite.htm
The
only places I can find these wheels online are eBay auctions selling them for $170. Are these my $300 - $400 range wheels or is this a really bad joke?
This isn't gonna fly, I want decent wheels or my 50% deposit back. I've heard good things about Mavics, Eastons and Neuvations (not so much Shimano), but as I said, I have no experience riding a road bike and don't know what to look for specifically. I will be doing serious climbing and would veer slightly to the durable side of the durable vs. light spectrum since some of the roads I ride on are a little sketchy. So what should I get?