theblackbullet

I think it depends with Velomine. I've definitely received wheelsets that have been drop shipped from QBP, but also I've made requests for small changes in their wheelsets and they've obliged for no cost added. I believe a lot of their inventory is still built in house.

Hope you enjoy the wheels! Screaming deal for a brand new set regardless the name on them or the average weight.

Eric F 

Which ones did you get?

Lombard

One note about wheels built by Velomine. They don't stress relieve their wheels. They even have a note on the box that states their wheels will need to be re-trued after 200 miles. Since I build wheels, that isn't an issue. But to me, this is really an incomplete and poor build. If you hear pinging on the first ride, the wheels were not completed.

hubcyclist

awesome! mine are due to arrive friday, they likely won't see outside action for a couple of months

mstateglfr 

36mm

mstateglfr 

Yeah, I've picked up 2 wheelset from them and both had that warning. They were both from JBI originally and clearly machine built. For the component quality, I think they are great wheels, even if they weren't relieved and adjusted before delivering to me. One set is on its 3rd frame, probably 6 years, and who knows how many miles of gravel and pavement...tons. I adjusted a couple spokes after a ride around the block with many bunny hops. Haven't touched the spokes since.

It's funny, I have some really high quality wheels, some good wheels, and budget wheels. The budget have been just as reliable as the better ones. Even still, I plan to build up a high quality wheelset this coming year...I guess mostly just because it's neat to have nice things.

Lombard

Some budget stuff can be quite good, others not so much. Same with high end stuff.

Machine built doesn't necessarily mean not stress relieved. I've owned Shimano machine built wheels which stayed true after many miles.

hubcyclist

The pub wheels website says the wheels are hand built “Our ‘stock’ (still hand built in MN) carbon wheelsets. They’ll be built by a master wheel builder whose pedigree includes over 30 years in the industry. He’s been a sponsored cyclist, he’s worked in the Shimano Pro Road Pits, and spent the last 22 years dedicated to wheel building. We pair our knowledge about wheel building with our knowledge about you for a truly game changing experience.”

I suppose even if they are quality controlled by someone it would be decent enough.

Eric F 

QC of a new build is a part of the equation. Long-term durability in real world conditions is a much more important factor. I hope they work out for you.

Lombard

They are often very much connected. A poor build can affect long-term durability. Although a good build doesn't necessarily ensure long-term durability if the components are crap.

Koyote

When I needed some new wheels for my cheapie SS commuter bike, I went through my LBS. I could've gotten the same wheelbuild (=same components) from Velomine for $100 less, but I don't need any hassles after the sale -- I am not a wheelbuilder.

Eric F 

Right. That was the point I was attempting to make.

Koyote

Anyone remember Neuvation wheels? They were around $200 in 2005 or so. Reasonably deep rims (for alloy), bladed spokes, etc. Complete junk. I don't think I even got much more than 500 miles on them before having a couple spokes break (on different rides, leaving me walking each time)...Then the hub flange broke when I was about 20 miles from home. The build quality was fine, but you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

Lombard

The analogy I like to make it that if you stick a dozen roses in a pile of poop, it won't smell like roses, it will smell like poop.

tomato coupe

To be fair, I've got a Neuvation R28 AeroX front wheel that never had a problem. I paid about $50 for it new, so it turned out to be a genuine bargain.

Koyote

Sure, mine was one of his first models -- maybe even the first. But it did leave a rather sour taste in my mouth.

tomato coupe

I think the moral of the story is that inexpensive wheels can be a bargain (if you're lucky), but there is a real chance they will turn out to be a waste of money.

Koyote

Thanks, you've articulated it better than I did. There's probably an inverse relationship between the price and the risk level, other things equal.

Lombard

........or worse.

mstateglfr 

If an $1800 Tiagra hydraulic disc road bike is discounted to $500, is the quality the same as a $500 road bike that typically sells for $500?

This has been a funny thread to watch and participate in. I have the wheels in hand and the quality seems perfectly fine. Wow there has been a hilarious amount of assumption, speculation, skepticism, and general misunderstanding in the thread.

JustinHS

I ordered the 36's on Monday the 19th after seeing the deal here. My order still says processing. Is that normal for this company?. With budget shipping, I didn't expect it fast, but was hoping for some kind of update. Anyone else experiencing the same?
Happy Holidays to All!!

mstateglfr 

Mine delivered 2 days after order.

hubcyclist

I bought mine the 19th and they shipped the 20th and were originally supposed to arrive yesterday but I suspect fedex has disruptions due to weather so they’re still out there. I had them shipped to my parents since we’ll be out of town this next week

BradH

Thanks for posting this. Mine got here today. I took the hubs apart. Quality is on par with Novatec or Formula with cartridge bearings. I'll de-stress them, check spoke tension and true as needed.

If I can decode their rims for sale I'll build a set of their deeper carbon rims.

Koyote

Show me this Tiagra-equipped hydraulic disc road bike that is selling for $500, and I’ll take this question seriously.