New wheels/rims: Thanks all!

[Rubylvr]

Good am to all you wonderful, helpful women!!
Just a shout out to thank you for the great advice about getting new rims/wheels as an important upgrade. I am relatively new to cycling, and had no idea how the right wheels can make such a HUGE difference. I went to a shop in Portland where the lady does nothing but make wheels. To say she has found her calling in life is an understatement...she is brilliant!! and very helpful as well as kind to newbies. I learned a ton. Anywhoo, she had a pair of "trial wheels" for me based on what I told her about my riding, and I took my bike out to local hills and streets so I could feel the difference. IMMEDIATE Rocket!!
What I felt: 2 miles per hr faster up hill, 3 on flats and much faster downhill
with no shaking or feeling like I was going to eat it any minute. MUCH smoother over chip seal, so much so that my wrists did not hurt like they usually do. Most of all:FUN!!!! Not sure if it is kosher to say who this person is on the boards, but if you Google search "Custom Bike Wheels, Portland" you will find her. Oh, I am spending 400$ per wheel, since that is what I allowed myself, but she will do more or less, depending on your funds.

[indysteel]

Sounds awesome. I'm a big proponent of handbuilt wheels. Oh, and it's fine to recommend a wheel builder here. What build are you getting?

[Trek420]

Not sure if it is kosher to say who this person is on the boards, but if you Google search "Custom Bike Wheels, Portland" you will find her.

Yes it's kosher to recommend your LBS, or LWS (local wheel shop). Another big fan of wheels here. Often when folks yearn for a new bike if the bike fits well a new set of wheels is all you need. Wheels are the most cost efficient upgrade.

[Rubylvr]

I am not sure what wheel build exactly since I am new to this...Just trusting Jude, the owner of Sugar Wheel Works to do the best job for the must stable but fastest wheels 800-1000.00$ can buy. Hubby would have my head if I spend more. What wheel build to you have?

[indysteel]

I have Velocity Aerohead rims paired with White Industries H1 hubs and Sapim double butted spokes.

[Rubylvr]

Those sound radical!!!! Will get mine on Tuesday; can't wait!

[radacrider]

She is great. She built up the wheels on my MB-1!