Originally Posted by
engo
I just spent a mint at my LBS on spokes for a wheelbuild, and it seems like spokes are just as much online (if not more with shipping and duty).
I guess this is just the reality of a wheel with a high spoke-count. I mean, that's 72 spokes for a pair of wheels...add taxes and...damn!
I know that 36 hole front wheels aren't common, but anyone else have a shock the first time they built a set?
You'll come to realize that your LBS isn't exactly giving you competitive rates...
Shops like Yellow Jersey charge a flat rate for spokes (regardless of spoke count). That's whether you're building a 48 drill polo wheel, a 28 count aero wheel, a 32 or 36 count commuter wheel.
There is a reason that pre-built wheels are so ubiquitous. The LBS just doesn't produce good wheels, and certainly doesn't produce 'em at a reasonable price.
I'd have that LBS built wheel checked for even spoke tension, its probably not the quality wheel you paid for. Its easy to true a wheel, get a wheel to stay in round, or to have even high spoke tension, but all three? By an LBS that builds up custom wheels a couple of times a year? Sure.
Go with Yellow Jersey for lightweight riders (they use 14/16g spokes), and Peter White for duty rated stuff. With custom wheels either do it yourself or go to someone who specializes in wheels. Not a job for your LBS.
Think of wheels like a transmission, take it to a specialist.