I'm looking for someone to build a wheel for me in the greater DC area. I already have the hub and the hoop and I'm sourcing the spokes but I lack sufficient talent or tools to build the wheel up. It's nothing too crazy, a pretty basic XT 9 speed disc hub to a Rhyno Lite rim, 36 spoke 3 cross. It seems like most shops don't want to build wheels if the customer didn't buy the wheel parts from them. I'm looking for someone who can build the parts into a good strong wheel. I'm willing to pay a reasonable fee to have the wheel built.

Does anyone here build wheels or know someone who does that they can recommend in the greater DC area?

Also, can anyone comment on what is a fair cost for a wheel build if I supply the parts?

i believe there is someone at cyclelife in dc. the only reason i think this is from picture on cyclelife's facebook fan page. it's a really nice bike shop so i assume that he is a good wheelbuilder.

I've had several wheels built by Tim Fricker, the head mechanic at bikes@vienna. They've held up great under heavy use including rough roads and heavy touring/grocery shopping loads. He charges $45 plus a buck a spoke (which is on the lower side of the shops I've called) with no extra charge for bringing in your own parts.

You can get in touch with him at tim (at) bikesatvienna.com

You can try the local bike co-ops. I think Mt. Rainier should be close to you. if you'd like to learn how to build your own wheels of course. https://www.mrbikecoop.com