Selecting a wheel builder
09-05-13, 07:22 PM
#1
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Selecting a wheel builder
When deciding on a new wheel builder, particularly one that is local (or little known), what questions can I ask to understand if they are good or not? At the cost of custom wheels trial and error could get expensive.
09-06-13, 04:46 AM
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Personally, I would place a premium on how the wheelbuilder stands behind their wheels. I build wheels myself, and I have a lifetime warranty on all my wheels - meaning I will guarantee anything related to build quality for life (ie truing, replacing broken spokes)(although if the wheel is not local, shipping charges are involved). Wear through a brake track, you are on your own - that is not build related. I would expect the same from any other competent wheelbuilder - that they stand behind their work.
Beyond that, I would ask if they use a tensiometer, and how they balance spoke tension. It is a lot easier to build a true wheel with okay spoke tension than it is to build a true wheel with even spoke tension, that is tensioned to spec. The first wheel would seem great at first, but it would go out of true and/or break spokes more easily. FWIW, the best answer they could give is that they use a tensiometer from a major bicycle components manufacturer, and that they use some variant of the Park TCC spreadsheet (for more info on this: )https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-...lator-for-tm-1).
Beyond that, I would ask if they use a tensiometer, and how they balance spoke tension. It is a lot easier to build a true wheel with okay spoke tension than it is to build a true wheel with even spoke tension, that is tensioned to spec. The first wheel would seem great at first, but it would go out of true and/or break spokes more easily. FWIW, the best answer they could give is that they use a tensiometer from a major bicycle components manufacturer, and that they use some variant of the Park TCC spreadsheet (for more info on this: )https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-...lator-for-tm-1).
09-06-13, 05:43 AM
#4
Psimet wheels:https://www.psimet.com/
Rob is a regular here, good guy with a good product at a reasonable price, he will be the supplier of my next wheel set.
Bill
Rob is a regular here, good guy with a good product at a reasonable price, he will be the supplier of my next wheel set.
Bill
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Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
09-06-13, 07:33 PM
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Thanks. I have emailed with Rob and his service seems great, along with pricing. I have also spoken with a few others I have found recommended in the forums. While finishing my "due diligence" as a consumer I did come across a builder with a good price, seemingly good experience, but not known as far as I can tell. Probably popular in his local area. He does have a very short wait time compared to the more popular builders. So I will use the advice here to further make my choice.
