Hand built wheels: what's the advantage?

[SadieKate]

Aside from crosswind performance, better-quality wheels differ little in feel.

Not entirely true. For instance, a low profile rim can be difficult to find in many pre-built wheels, and it can definitely be felt by lighter weight riders. Even my 200+ lb hubby can feel the difference in taller vs lower profile rims on chipseal or over repeated expansion cracks.

I think Ana was actually asking was about custom built wheels and just didn't understand. It's the same question as asking about a custom frame. Many high end carbon frames are "hand built" to some extent, but they're still cookie cutter products. There are certain things that can be done to make the ride different in a custom built wheel.

[Ana]

I think Ana was actually asking was about custom built wheels and just didn't understand. It's the same question as asking about a custom frame. Many high end carbon frames are "hand built" to some extent, but they're still cookie cutter products. There are certain things that can be done to make the ride different in a custom built wheel.

Yes, I mean custom built wheels...hehe...most wheels are probably hand built (or maybe they aren't and that could be a less-than-desirable thing..) Refining my concept of them is exactly why I'm asking Mostly, a wheels built more for my weight and riding style My dream is to not hate climbing (which may or may not happen...ever)

[Eden]

Now, their headsets are another story. Excellent choice.

a little OT.... depends I guess. I have a CK headset on one of my bikes and the darn thing comes loose rather often.... and its a bit of a butt pain when your head set comes loose. I've never had this happen on any other bike.

more on topic. Custom built wheels don't necessarily have to be expensive either. I have customs on my rain bike because it would cost just as much to get a decent set of hard wearing prebuilt wheels. My rain bike rims take a pretty good beating and need to be replaced fairly often (more than I really like...), but the hubs are perfectly fine. I think it cost me around $300 for the pair, and that was with buying a front hub (the one I had for the front had too low a spoke count to take anything but lighter weight rims - not what I wanted for this bike)

[SadieKate]

a little OT.... depends I guess. I have a CK headset on one of my bikes and the darn thing comes loose rather often.... and its a bit of a butt pain when your head set comes loose. I've never had this happen on any other bike.

DH had that happen on one headset until we found out that the mechanic had left out a race or ring or something. I don't remember the details, but I'll try to ask him when he gets home. Since the part was added, not a problem.