New wheels!

[indysteel]

I totally concur. I ended up going with a build similar to some that SadieKate has and couldn't be happier. I, personally, preferred using the services of a an actual wheelbuilder, rather than a LBS. Perhaps it wouldn't have mattered in the end, but I like the level of experience that a wheelbuilder offered. I know the local LBSs build wheels, but not at the same volume by any stretch. I used Ligero Wheelworks and was quite pleased. I'm not sure how backed up Troy, the owner, is at the moment but it couldn't hurt to check. His website is www.ligerowheels.com. He's got lots of pictures posted too if you want to see some bike candy.

IMO, a wheelbuilder should ask you a few basic questions and then go from there in deciding the build: How much do you weigh; what kind of riding you do/what do you want the wheels for; what qualities do you want in them and how much do you want to spend? For me, I wanted a good all-around wheel made with someone small in mind. I have trouble in crosswinds and wanted something light with a low profile, but I didn't want to break the bank.

I ended up with Velocity Aerohead/Aerohead OC rims, 24 1x front, 28 2x rear nondriveside, 3x driveside. Sapim Laser double butted spokes with alloy nipples. White Industries H1 hubs. They're pretty similar to some wheels that SadieKate has. I paid less than $500 for them. They're light and ride much plusher than my old Mavic Aksiums (which just beat me up). They handle better in crosswinds and spin up very nicely. I love, love, love them and consider it money well spent.

[Eden]

I don't generally race the deep-v's - they are little on the heavy side for the type of racing that I do.(that and my rain bike is a 650 wheel bike and my race bike is a 700 so not interchangable..) Aerohead's are really nice too - lighter than the Deep-V's, my husband has a pair of them that were hand built for his track bike. (they also come in really nifty colors - as do the deep V's as long as you are riding 700's....) My LBS likes to build up Deep V's for his single speed customers (lots of messengers) since they stand up to a lot of pothole/curb type abuse.

[SadieKate]

You bring up a good point, Eden. Aero profile can add weight. My 200+ lb hubby has two sets wheels Aerohead rims (with OC on the rear) and loves them. They're standing up just fine to his largeness.

[Fredwina]

Ok' I'm back.
SK, I'm also on the "grande" side. Actually I misspoke about the Deep V's I meant the Aerohead OC's .
Talked with my LWG (local Wheel Guru) - he wants to do deepV's with 32 3x rear. I I'm only going to do the rear at this time. I was asked weight and intended purpose, He thought the Deep V's would be more bulletproof. I need to some follow up with him tomorrow, so I'll let you know what transpires. I haven't put down any earnest money yet, so I can switch. I've actually ridden the Aerohead's before in the Easton Orion Guise
I wanted to go local just in case there's an issue - I'm sure re-do the wheel that Joe Blow from Toad Tunnel Town built would sit REAL well. And mark has done a lot of stuff for me in the past
As Far as Brevet riding, I'm sticking with the shorter stuff, as least until I get a less crazy work/Life balance. I've got a few bites, but they're still for the mainframe stuff, and I'm trying to get some "spiffier" things to stick on the ol' CV
Now to put tires on the wheels I just borrowed- it looks custom may becoming a lost art from what I had to pick from

[Fredwina]

at last!
I have the rear
Velocity Fusions (between the Areohead and the Deep V
Ultegra Hub
32 Dt spokes

[mimitabby]

happy trails, Fredwina!