Hey EKW - Keep shopping. Remember my issue with my back wheel? I posted another thread about getting 2 new wheels for cheap. The LBS owner checked all spokes and evened made sure they were true with some minor tweaking on his jig. Both wheels are 36 spoke and I paid $62 for both. Yes, I know they aren't top of the line wheels but I'm hopeful they will hold up with a good start, and attention from me. So I opted not to go for a custom wheel at this time. You might keep shopping and find a decent wheel and a decent shop that will check the spokes and true-ness before you give it a try. Just thought I'd share.