Quote Originally Posted by Ana View Post
What are the advantages of hand built wheels? First hand, how are they better? The wrench I talked to was telling me how I could benefit from a hand built wheel because I'm much lighter than the weight for which most wheels are built. Mostly, I want to know what riding them is like
Aside from crosswind performance, better-quality wheels differ little in feel. ALL better quality wheels are hand-built, even those high-bling Mavics, Bontragers, HED products and ZIPP wheels. All are tensioned and stress-relieved.

All better-grade wheels are essentially rigid structures (any wheel flex is of such small magnitude that it's FAR overshadowed by tire flex), so MOST if not all perceived difference is in your tires.

Still, a lighter wheel will accelerate a bit better than a heavy wheel.

+1 on the serviceability issues raised by others. Most bike shops have regular-style spokes in assorted sizes on the shelf. Some shops have the Phil Wood spoke machine and can cut spokes to your size easily. Try that with a Mavic Ksyrium!