I've tried phoning him, left messages for him, and have emailed him a few times but he's either quite busy or simply unresponsive. How long did it take you guys to get in touch with him? It's a puzzlement...

I just talked to (I think) his wife yesterday to confirm my repair order which is in the mail.So don't fret.

Is there a "best" time to call? Every time I try I'm forwarded to the answering machine.

He's been doin' alot of beer 'n whiskey drinkin' lately.

I bought my first set of wheels from MG this year. I had difficulty reaching him through both email and phone calls. New builds take a back seat to wheel service and active builds. You have to be persistant. It's a hassle, but you are buying quality and service. This man stands behind his work.

In my experience, you never really get to know a person/businesss until you encounter problems. I've had difficulty with my rear wheel. It's on a second return trip to him. He paid shipping on both ocassions. He is forthright and concerned.

Phoning is your best bet. He has been especially attentive to my problems.

Curious as to what kind of issues you have had with your rear wheel?

I love my Mike Garcia wheels but my advice is: buy them only if you currently have a set of functional wheels and aren't in a hurry.

--Steve

Unless you're checking up on an exiting order, go with Eric. I did, three times.

PM - Thanks much. I'll contact him...

My build:
DTSwiss R1.1, 28 spoke front & rear
14/17/14 front
14/17/14 Non-drive side rear
14/15/14 drive side rear
White Industries H1 Hubs front & rear

Initially I heard popping spokes (ting, ting sound). Futher inspection revealed that spokes were loosening and backing out of the rim (non-drive side). I trued it up and evened out the non-drive tension, but the noises returned.

Mike took them back and beefed up the non-drive side spokes. I received the wheel. The popping sound returned on the first ride. I continued to ride it another 200mi or so. Spokes did not loosen. I suspect the spokes are rubbing together where they cross.

I called Mike again. He's a little unsure of the root cause as he's had heavier riders on this same wheel set build and feels it might be slightly overbuilt as it stands. I weigh in at arouhnd 160lbs.

He indicates the DT Swiss R1.1's require a slightly lower tension on the non-drive side than most. He suspects this difference combined with my riding style is causing problems. He suggests replacing rear rim with Niobium 30. This rim doesn't have the larger tension difference between drive and non-drive side. Mike has yet to receive my shipment.

All I can say is when I ordered my wheel set they were in about two weeks later. Two weeks ago I was in a tangle up in a race that hosed my front wheel. I sent it back to mike and it will be on my door step tomorrow. I have heard people on this forum complain about delays with MG but I have yet to experience it. My advice, dont call during lunch time or don't call 10 minutes before closing.

He built my wheels last week and I received them today. I did have a hard time reaching him for a couple of days and his coworker called me back to say he'd gotten so busy, he was taking work home to avoid the distractions.

55/Rad

Aaah...

You could always try Dave Thomas (speeddream.com). I love my wheels I got from him.

Eric built a wheelset for me earlier this year. Great job at a great price. I have also had wheels made by Mike G., he also did a great job at a great price. Talk to both of them, and/or other builders, and then pick the one your most comfortable with.

I have been thinking alot lately about buying a custom built set from eithor Mike Garcia or another dealer.

I have been having these ins and outs about it. Like an in would be, you would never have to true them and they will be bomb proof. An out would be but do I want to spend the 400 dollars? In would be, they would fit my riding style and be alot lighter than the wheels I have now. Out would be, but what if I didnt like them on my next bike.

I need some help guys...

just don't get it, if the service comes with hassle then it's not a good service.