wacomme

I need a new front wheel. Since I believe the quality of the build is most important to a sturdy, reliable wheel, I'm interest is finding a good wheel builder.

I broke two adjacent spokes (nipples) on a 28 spoke front wheel (Zipp alloy rims); I believe the wheel was overtightened. My 3-year-old rear wheel, 32 spoke, laced to a PowerTap SL and DT Swiss 465 rim, seems to be in good condition; it likely doesn't need rebuilding. I'll buy a lightweight rear wheel when I have the money to upgrade my power meter - not likely for another year or two.

I'm 160 lbs. These wheels (new front and current PT rear) will be used for both training and racing (road, hill climbs, tt's; no crits). While my 28 hole Zipp 108 front hubs seem to be in good condition, I probably want the whole wheel replaced (20 or 24 spoke - Sapim CX-Ray spokes). Alchemy ELF hubs are my first choice. I'm wavering between the Velocity A23 rim or Stan's Alpha 340 rim.

Regardless, I'm actively seeking a wheelbuilder to build be a new front wheel for me. Suggestions?

I'm currently riding a front Ksyrium SL wheel. Thus, I have the time to find a good wheelbuilder, though I don't want to wait 2-3 months (as I would do with psimet).

AEO

psimet is one of the resident wheelbuilders here.

wacomme

Yes, but his turn-a-round time is months right now. I'm not willing to wait this long.

echappist

Peter Vecchio is located in Colorado. Quite reputable.

mihlbach

Just replace the two broken nipples...they cost $0.15.

wacomme

The rim is bent and can't be trued.

mihlbach

That is if you can get him to respond.

sbxx1985 

You mean Peter Chisholm at Vecchio's? Which reminds me, I still have a gift certificate there.

eippo1

If you have the time, do it yourself. Not difficult if you do it slowly and take your time.

wacomme

No, thank you. It's not how I wish to spend my time. I have no interest in building a wheel; that's remarkable since I have many interests.

topflightpro

Ron Ruff at White Mountain Wheels is excellent. Zen Cyclery is another.

And you can always call FairWheel Bikes in Ariz. Troy Watson is building wheels there now. Troy is a controversial subject on many cycling forums, but he built great wheels for me and several others. Most of the complaints about him deal with his business/management/communication skills - not wheelbuilding - and my understanding is that FairWheel - a top notch shop - is doing a better job of managing the wheel building business.

Psimet2001 

Fixed that for you. Your initial response seems to imply I don't respond. The issue is that I don't respond to everyone. Currently a 1 man show with a "real" job in addition to the "wheel" job. Is what it is.

Been approached 3 times in the last 2 days from personal investors that are already close to the business looking to make me take it full time, then when dropping off a wheel at lunch that I built for a local shop - was offered up the store....

I currently have a wheelset in review at a large US cycling media organization. Prelim responses appear to be setting me up for even more rapid growth in the short term.....that can't happen without opening up capacity in terms of time and improving customer service with responses. I realize that. At the same time I have stopped being apologetic about not being able to take on ALL of the business under the current state....not to say I am apathetic though.

Like I said - it's not like I don't respond. It's that I can't respond to everyone. Saying I don't respond implies I am lazy and this is just simply incorrect.

Jed19

+1 on Peter at Vecchios.

Excellent wheelbuilder.

MileHighMark

+2 for Peter.

Psimet2001 

+1 on Zen. Also Vecchios has a stellar reputation in general. I am sure they have wonderful wheel building abilities and considering they are local that would be a great find. Also Alchemy Bicycle Works is in Colorado and Jeremy does great work.

bassjones

I had good luck with prowheelbuilder.com. There was a mild screw up on their end but they corrected it immediately and without hassle.

sbxx1985 

I call him the Soup Nazi.

I brought my bike to him six or seven years ago for some Campy related issue. He took one look at the frame and told me he didn't have an available appointment for three months. No soup for me.

Psimet2001 

Guess I'm the "wheel nazi" then....

mihlbach

I understand you are backed up. My point was that if you need wheels fast, Psimet is perhaps not the best choice right now, given that its unlikely one will ever get a confirmation from you about building the wheelset in the first place.

sbxx1985 

Nah. Peter White maybe.

mihlbach

Major wheel Nazi. Good info on his website though, but you do have to read it through a filter.

wacomme

I'm the OP. Thank you for the numerous suggestions. I'll be contacting the listed wheelbuilders shortly.

BTW - Psimet would be on my list. However, I believe Psimet's wait-list is at least a month or two. For me, I'm not willing to wait that long.

Michael

Psimet2001 

Currently it is. Thank you for the consideration and I would feel the same if I were you. It makes my stomach churn....so I will find a solution....but it is what it is currently.

Will G

A nearby friend, Joe Young at youngwheels.com does an excellent job of building wheels.

wacomme

Perhaps you can quit your day job - if desired; I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be lacking for wheelbuilding business.