SoCal wheel builders?
 

I'm looking to get a set of handmade wheels and was wondering if there are any builders in the SoCal area. I know Nuevation is Santa Barbara, I think...Boyd in is South Carolina, PSIMET is in Illinois, Williams is in Stockton. Anyone in the SD/LA areas?

Wheelbuilder.com is based in El Monte and is one of the best custom wheel builders in the world. Not cheap, but the product is as good as it gets.

I used wheelbuilder.com. They aren't cheap, but they seem to get high marks from most people. They mostly do internet sales, but you can go by the place as well. Maybe stop by on your way to the base of Mt Baldy :)

A while back I found some dead link on their website with a black-friday type deal that was in-stock, but that had long since died (I had no idea it was months expired) and placed an order. The next day I had a voicemail saying they weren't even sure how I ordered that special as they'd long since sold out months before. They ended up honoring the price and offered me an even better wheel (since they didn't have the cheaper one I ordered). I was impressed, and I'll use them again next time I need a nice wheel built.

I'd love to stop by Wheelbuilder.com since it's not too far for me. I only found out about them since I was curious about Mad Fiber wheels and they apparently carry them. Then I found out they actually make custom wheels.

Man, you aren't kidding about wheelbuilder.com being a little pricey. A bit out of my budget.

Go talk to Chuck at Pacific Coast Cycles in Oceanside. Understand that he probably won't tell you what you want to hear and he won't sell you what you don't need, but he will build you a sweet set of wheels that will last forever and work within your budget.

I've bought from Psimet. So far, the PowerTap wheel has been rock solid. No truing so far.

Locally, I prefer my LBS manager/mechanic here in the San Fernando valley. He built me up an Open Pro wheel, and two 80mm carbon tubular wheels and they've been great, too. No truing needed since. (PM me, and I'd be happy to give you contact info.)

And for what it's worth, I'm a clyde, so I like solid wheels.

Talk to UrbanKnight, Pasadena.

he's built a couple of sets for me. They came out true and have been very stable. I don't know if he still does it though, given current family time obligations....?

I've got his wheels on each of my bikes.

Forgot about the fixed gear - it's got a wheelbuilder rear and some type of generic front.

I clicked on a couple of their basic wheels and they use top quality hubs. You can probably get away with using an Ultegra or 105 hub and save a noticeable amount of money.

Now in the San Fernando Valley, and I'll have plenty of time after June 24th.

And let me know if you're looking to sell that custom tandem in 7 or 8 years ;) The little guy gets his first ride in the trailer on Father's Day!!!

I've been there and did not have a good experience. I told him I had a like-new Brooks saddle that I was trying to sell and he told me to bring it in and he migh make an offer. I did and he started grilling me about it and literally walked away and ignored me...not even a "thanks for bringing it in, but I cant' take it". Just cut me off and walked away. I felt like he was essentially accusing me of stealing it. He was also helping another customer with something as he was questioning me and there were a number of others in the shop at the time. I was pretty embarassed and highly offended as its a small shop and everyone heard the conversation. I will not give him my business.

not giving up on the Ti tandem yet - sorry,
If at some point you get serious I have an older med/small Santana Team Noventa that I am planning to sell.
cheers
m

UrbanKnight,
Congrats on the addition:) The fun has just begun...
Hey, IF u r interested... I'm in nEED of a 24" built around a 2spd kickback hub (for my kids Kruzer)
Best Regards
Roy

I know you can't send a pm, so send me an email
ridgebackwheels AT yahoo DOT com