Originally Posted by
neil0502
I think there are a few people -- names can be found on this forum -- who have a GREAT reputation, in the community, as excellent wheelbuilders.
I, for instance, would not hesitate to use Peter Chisholm (Vecchios, in Boulder), or Peter White Cycles, for example.
As to local .... IMHO .... the diff is probably nothing more than the cost of UPS/FedEx Ground shipping -- pretty cheap. The guys with the great rep's really don't seem to be expensive.
Good luck, either way!
The big difference in going local is service. When I build a wheel for a customer I guarantee the wheel, just like the online guys, and true/ re-tension the wheel free of charge for the first year if needed. The customer has a face to talk to instead of emails or a phone. Most of all, you can support your local shop and build community if you go local.