mudboy

Many shops don't build wheels anymore. I would certainly expect shops with a Peter White/Hiawatha/Rivendell type clientele to have a cutter, but there just aren't that many of that type of shop left. Even my LBS, where they appreciate "old" steel framed, wire wheeled steeds, sells nothing but pre-built wheels.

AS Collie

That's certainly the case here in Rome. If I want a carbon race wheel and I have a sack of cash, there are places, but I've not found anyone who is capable or willing (not sure which, I think a little of both, perhaps) to build a wheel. They just point you to the Campagnolo or Fulcrum wheels on the wall. Which are fine and lovely, but not what I asked for!

AS Collie

So after my last post about the campy-DT comp-open pro combo for under $400, no one wants to offer up their opinion on the "best" custom combo?

mudboy

The "best" custom combo is going to be the one that works for you and suits your riding style. What's your weight? What's your riding style (masher, spinner, sprinter)? What types of roads do you usually ride on? What size tires do you plan on running? Is weight more important than durability, do you want a compromise, or do you want wheels that will last you forever?

Personally, I've moved away from Mavic rims because of QA issues and now use DT and have had no problems. If I were to go with sewups, the Ambrosio Nemesis seem to be the go-to rim (good enough for Boonen, good enough for me). The wheels that I build for myself tend to be 32 hole, 3 cross, 14/15 front and NDS rear, and 14 DS rear. Brass nipples, as alloys aren't worth the risk...if the weight is important to you, and you're light enough, drop your spoke count to 28 to make up for that. FWIW, I use boiled linseed oil as a spoke prep.

For your original post, I would go with 293's and 291's, and not compromise. It can certainly work if you have to make it work, but I'm funny that way.

Pete

AS Collie

Thanks Pete. I know that a real "best" is impossible to establish, and I'm pretty happy with my Record-Open Pro-DT Comp combo, as it was cost-effective, and it provides a good balance of weight and strength (as I mentioned, it's 32 hole, 3 cross). Just interested to know what everyone on here likes.

I went with the campy, as being in Italy and riding with Athena, it was a convenient choice. I like the look of Chris King, but they're expensive here – about double what I paid for the Record set. I chose the Open Pros based on reputation and the fact that they were €20 cheaper per rim compared to the DT Swiss RR415 I was looking at. What are the QA issues with Mavic stuff?

Pete, you also hit on something I meant to ask about: Spoke prep. You simply cannot buy it in Rome (where I live) or Dublin (where I'm from). I can't even buy it online from an EU shop. No one seems to use it, and I've always got away with using chain lube without any hassle. Is it worth sourcing?

mudboy

Not being able to buy lower-range Campy hubs on their own is one of the reasons why I don't ride Campy. Even still, I'm considering building a "go-fast" (which is a relative term for me) frame with Athena alloy on it, just to have a "classic" road bike again (my current rides are a rando and a 650b rough stuff , both built by me).

As far as spoke prep, again, I use simple boiled Linseed Oil. If you can't find it at a hardware store, you might try an art supply store, as I believe linseed oil is used for thinning oil-based art paints. The boiled linseed oil sets up over a day or so. Dip the threaded ends of your spokes in the oil, let them sit for 15 minutes, and then build away.

Pete

AS Collie

Ok, thanks. I'll try the linseed oil. Do Campagnolo sell lower end hubs anymore? They only stock the record ones here. I remember chorus ones a few years back.

FBinNY 

For the last few years, Campy only sold Record hubs for the after market. I suspect that it's because when all is said and done, there's very little difference in their cost to manufacture the various models, and also because hub after market demand is limited to begin with.

If anyonw wants I still have a dent number of Daytona, Centaur (same as Daytona) and Chorus hubs available mostly in 32h. The only condition is that while I'll gladly sell fronts alone, I won't do so with rears. Rears are only available as pairs with fronts. feel free to email me c/o the site below my signature. (fb@.....com)