thenomad

Was at the LBS today and I asked if they had any older wheels for sale as they pretty much nly carry "newsuperexpensive" brand wheels.
Guy behind the counter said he could actually build me a set of mavic MA2 rims on newer Ultegra 6600 hubs for $145. I didn't get all the details such as how used the parts are and if he'll use new spokes etc. but I was sort of interested.

I've been looking at a set of commuter wheels I can use on my cross bike. I've got to ride rougher roads and occasionally bunnyhop things. I want a bombproof set of wheels. I was going to look for used Ultegra/Open Pros for as cheap as possible, and I've heard good things about the Forte Titan wheelset for $150.

What do you all think? Worth it? I'm swayed by new parts and warranty with cartridge bearings for $150. These would be older rims and hubs, but would they offer a better value?

Bianchigirll 

I don't know about 'cross but a pair of new MA2 on 6600 hubs would eb nice set of riding, commuting and training wheels if the rims are used I am not sure I would

fender1

I loved MA2 rims with Campy hubs (High & low flange) but I kept denting them on my regular commuting ride. After trashing 3 rims on potholes (2 rear, 1 front), I no longer use them. They are expensive to replace as they seem to be sought after in the vintage market. I am 6'1" and 185lbs, FWIW. I am now using Sun CR18 rims & Salsa Delgado Cross rims and am happy with them.

I know nothing about the Forte wheels.

gomango

I have a set of MA2's with Phil Wood hubs on my Bruce Gordon.

Love 'em.

I've put a little over 1,800 miles on the front this summer, and over 700 on the rear since I built it.

The bike came with a mis-matched set, so I built a rear up not so long ago for the match.

I can't see the components you are talking about, but I'm sure a MA2/Ultegra build would be rock solid if all is fairly fresh.

Business810

I don't have personal experience with either, but: I have heard half-decent things about Forte wheels from the time I have wasted in the road forum on here, though I would choose almost any (competently) hand built new wheelset over them considering the comparable price. New, as Bianchigirl said, being an operative word.

Voyageur_guy

i have ma2's with 600 hubs. pretty nice stuff im no small boy either. if they are new i would do it.

gaucho777 

Is $145 the total price including parts? If so, I'd say it's a great deal. I was recently quoted $50-$75 per wheel plus parts at my local LBSs. Spokes & nipples aren't cheap either--maybe $40 for both wheels, just a very rough guess. If $145 is for just spokes and labor, then it's about comparable to prices I've found in the SF bay area. In my experience, the best deals can be found on complete used wheelsets on CL. Just test that the spoke tension is uniform and the wheels are true. I've built wheels using old rims, but others will caution against building up old rims since it can be difficult to get a true wheel with even spoke tension if the used rims are not still in excellent condition. Some wheelbuilders will refuse to build wheels with anything but new rims.

droptop

I know this post is old, but just for info's sake:
It costs money to build wheels right. Spokes cost about a buck a piece with brass nipples. rims vary in price. I spent $125 today on my salsa delgado cross rims and spokes, I have my own hubs. Id say $145 is a good deal for them, assuming the tension is even and they are true and round (check it on a truing stand). They should offer at least one free checkup on the wheel after building it to let things settle and then bring it all back up to spec. The expertise and labor in building wheels is worth at least $25 a wheel, and $50 is not out of the question by a highly reguarded wheel. $75 is a bit much, unless they are known for building wheels (at that price, they are probably trying to discourage you from building wheels, its a lot of work). A wheelset takes at least an hour to build by a very skilled builder and even longer with difficult rims.