Originally Posted by JackJ

Yep, been building all my own wheels for a decade or so. This one was a little tricky in spec'ing parts. Ideally I would have liked to use considerable fewer spokes (maybe 24 in front, 28 rear), but given a limited budget, I didn't want to spring for Velocity rims and top shelf hubs. I'd never used Sun anything before, but I'm pretty pleased with the CR18's, especially considering that they were only $22 ea. purchased through my LBS. I run Formula large flange hubs on one of my other fixed gears--they're a great value, but for the smaller wheels I felt small flange was in order. The IRO's (same as Forumlas) are fine. They only come in fixed/free, whereas I'd prefer fixed/fixed, but since I run two brakes I can get by w/o a lockring. Besides which I don't flip the wheel much.

Finding the short spokes was more of a problem than I anticipated. Icycles was closed for inventory when I tried to order, and some other places were way too pricey. I ended up getting them custom cut from J. (I think that's what he goes by) of Gaerlan Custom Cycles. He was great to deal with, super fast on delivery, and although I'd never used Sapim spokes before, I'm very happy w/ 'em. The price was right, too.

I intend to build another rear wheel around an internal hub, probably the Nexus 8sp. That'll mean I can share the bike w/ my wife, who's not too intrigued by the fixed gear. And it'll give me a chance to try the Internal hub experience. I love fixed for it's own sake, but also because I dislike derailleurs.

Jack