Since so many of you helped me with my decision to buy custom wheels, I wanted to (finally) give you a ride report. After two months of lousy weather here in Indiana, I took my first test drive on Sunday.

After 40 wonderful miles, I'm in love. The wheels totally exceeded my expectations. The ride is now extremely plush, which is what I wanted most out of them. I used to feel beat up on my Mavics--even at lower psi--but these were like riding on butter. The White Industries hubs spin up very quickly and stay there. I found myself really having to watch it in our paceline.

It's hard to say what effect, if any, the new wheels have on climbs. I felt stronger, but that may have more to do with all the spinning and yoga I've been doing this winter. I did lose about 2 1/2 pounds off the bike from changing out the wheels, tires, tubes and cassette. Either way, the whole ride was sublime from beginning to end. I think the wheels were a great investment. For anyone out there, thinking of going the handbuilt route, I highly recommend it. From a cost and quality standpoint, they just make sense.

Kate