Originally Posted by
JonnyHK
You've all seen the large websites (no names needed) that sell assorted wheelsets at ridiculous prices. Some websites even do custom/semi-custom.
I wanted to build my own wheels, but it seems that I'd struggle to even buy the parts for less than I can get the entire wheel already built (and factoring in shipping too).
So, what is the deal?
- they buy in bulk? OK, easy to figure out.
- are the wheels all machine laced? I'd be getting them checked out anyway.
- some have slightly limited choices. For eg a rim/hub combo I want is only being offered with 32 front/32 rear spokes when I might have gone for less spokes at front
- anything else?
Is the price too good to beat, or should I pay more to do it exactly as I want?
First point: Duh.
Second point: Prowheelbuilder.com, Colorado Cyclist and Texas Cyclesport wheels are handbuilt. Bicyclewheelwarehouse.com and Nashbar/Performance wheels are machine built.
Third point: This is true in regards to the machine built wheels from Performance and Bicyclewheelwarehouse.com. They would have to spend a day reconfiguring the machines to assemble a 28 spoke wheel instead of a 32 spoke wheel.
Fourth point: Yes. You get exactly what you pay for when it comes to builders. You can either
not pay for a machine to throw them together, or you can have a person who has done this dozens of times work on your stuff.