Good source for 32/36 hole rims?
 

I've been away from bikes for a while and now that I'm back, I'll need to know where I can find wheel building supplies. I used to build all my own wheels and I'd like to keep up that tradition. I'm a big guy (225, for now) so I'd rather find some relatively robust rims with 32+ holes...and not in blingy colors or aero. I've checked a couple of the usual on-line places and their selection seems rather weak. Any suggestions for a good place for wheel building supplies? No need for "period perfect".

I don't know what you mean by "the usual on-line places" but I've purchased polished Sun CR18's and (narrower) M13-II's from the usual places and I've been pleased with the quality and the price. Their appearance is not period-perfect, but they're reasonable approximations. Nice vintage rims/hubs are always available on eBay but have gotten pricey. I rarely see finer wheel sets on CL but I still keep an eye out.

For spokes, I've been buying on eBay lately - mostly from childhood dreams. I've been VERY pleased dealing with him on both price and service.

Nashbar = The usual place. (I'm sure someone will be rending their garments at the mere mention). I was kind of hoping for a "one stop shop" rather than e-bay, although some atf the "Stores" are OK.

I shop Nashbar once in awhile but I don't think it is as good as used to be back the late '80s

if you want a decent allaround rim to build your own get the Sun rims like Auchencrow suggested. I got a pair for my Hetchins and I love them!

Wow, found the Sun Rims and they look the ticket. Thanks folks!

While I have your ears...who makes good spokes these days? I religiously used DTs in the 80s and 90s. Are there other companies out there that make good quality spokes?

Sapim, Wheelsmith and DT are the ones I typically use. I almost exclusively use the Sun Ringle CR-18/M13 rims, only time I use something different is if I am trying to match an existing wheel or they don't offer what I need, like a 28h 305 ERTO :P

Aaron :)

If you're looking for burly, check out the Velocity Dyads.

I bought a prebuilt sun 27" about 2 years ago now, and I broke a spoke on it during a ride on saturday. I'm 6'5" and 215 Lbs. I was riding crappy roads, with about 10lbs in my panniers. I'm cool with that.