Getting a little closer. Talked to my LBS and priced out components. A little more than, say yummygooey's estimate, but the owner at the LBS is a master wheel builder and I figure I'll pepper him with questions as the build proceeds, so I'm willing to pay for the advice through higher component prices.

Looking at: Salsa Delgado rim (700 x 36 Hole Black - 22.5mm), a Formula hub (either from Origin8 or All City Bicycles, whichever comes out cheaper since the LBS said they're both Formula hubs), and I decided to go with straight gage spokes. I understand the benefit of the double-butted ones, but my LBS guy said that for a first wheel build, he recommended straight gage because sometimes butted spokes can twist too much.

The wife didn't bat an eyelash when I told her how much, so I guess it's a go.

Parts are ordered, should be in by the end of the week. Going with Salsa Delgado rim, Formula flip-flop hub (rebranded as Origin8 or All City; can't remember which was cheaper) and straight-gage spokes.

FYI - Origin 8 is a rebranded Formula, All-City is a rebranded Novatec.

Hmmm.... they look about the same. Any problem with the Novatec? (I think the Origin8 was what was ordered, but just curious.)

No problems at all. I actuallly prefer them to Formulas.

Wabi Wheelset. I'll stand behind that **** for days.

Well, let's see what comes in then.

THE BUILD!

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Wow that Novatec was cheaper than the Formula? I like the Novatec a lot better.

Now this is how to build a wheel. :thumb:

I do all my wheel work in front of the TV with a game on (in this case, the Rangers beating the Tigers), and usually with a beer.

Amen.

So... I finished up the last little bits of the wheel, except there is no cog on it. I was hoping I could get the SS cog off the old wheel and put it on just to try things out, but I don't have a tool that will work, so I guess I need to take it to the LBS tomorrow and let them pop it off for me. If they have a cog and lock ring I may pick those up too and the wheel will be complete and I can try it out.

I IZ A FIXED GEAR RIDER! Took it out for a short ride to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription for my wife. About to go out on a slightly longer ride. It is DIFFERENT. Not sure if it's better or not, I think I'll have to ride a while and get used to it before I can make that call.

Yo dawg we're hub twins! I have the all city in pewter :) Wheel build looks good and I hope you get some good mileage out of it. You should stick with the fg for a little while just to see how you like it once you're used to it.

We're Schwinn twins too, eh? I have a Schwinn Cutter. Here I am on my ride tonight.

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I did 10 miles tonight. Only problems were when I accelerated to get through a light or whatever, and I'd pay too much attention to traffic and when it was time to ease up I'd coast and almost get thrown out of the seat. (DUH.)

Sonic :thumb:

When I bought my SE I tried FG once and it scared me so I switched to SS pretty much for good. Then when I built my leader I got a fixed only rear wheel and decided to stick with it. After a couple weeks getting used to it I really enjoy it. Still a little different when I switch back & forth with my road bike but its good times.

The owner of my LBS agreed- you have to give it 2-3 weeks before it feels "natural." I'm willing to give it that long.

Just don't let your pedal stroke get sloppy from riding the fixed. Can be lulled into false belief.

Definitely took me a week or two of constant riding (5-10 miles a day) to get used to it. Hope it all works out for you! You'll love it =]

My pedal stroke IS sloppy.

About 125 miles on the FG, with 75 miles over the last two days. Starting to feel "normal" (whatever that means) to be on the FG. A friend said FG is ideal for group rides and I see what he means; you can use backpressure to moderate speed in a kind of mellow fashion instead of hitting the brakes when going too fast. Seems easier to hold a conversation while riding.