wheels

6 replies [Last post]
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous

Anyone recommend a half-decent wheel builder? Need a new mavic rim laced up as current rear wheel is shot.
Thanks.

Anonymous's picture
David Regen (not verified)
A radical suggestion

"Build it yourself!!! Years ago, when I was living in the Finger Lakes region of NY, I needed a rim replaced on a front wheel, and the LBS didn't give me too much confidence. One of my bike books described how to do it so I gave it a try.

I purchased a new rim (the same as the old damaged one, so I wouldn't need to change spokes), laid the new rim on the old one (lining up the valve holes), taped it on in a few places, and proceeded to loosen the spokes a bit at a time and then transfer them from the old rim to the new rim one at a time (I also lubed the threads, as recommended). Then I put my wheel in my ""truing stand"" (my bike, upside down on the floor with the front wheel removed) and began to gradually take up the slack as I coaxed the rim into trueness. Once true, I tightened the spokes 1/2 turn at a time and gradually got the tension up to approximately what the other wheel seemed like.

I never had a problem with that wheel, and I was confident enough to build many more. I bought a real truing stand and have since built well over a dozen wheels for myself and others. My biggest frustration with wheelbuilding nowadays is that far fewer choices for rims and hubs are available--factory-built wheels are standard equipment on most bikes.

"

Anonymous's picture
Christian Edstrom (not verified)

If you're looking for one of the very best, and don't mind mailorder, Peter White in New Hampshire is recommended. In the City (well, not really), go to Bicycle Workshop in Tenafly.

If you _do_ decide to build your own, you can borrow my truing stand. That'll be easier than building it in the frame.

Or ask David to build one for you! :D

- Christian

Anonymous's picture
K (not verified)
Wheels

Yee at Conrad's gets my vote. Excellent.

Anonymous's picture
Evan Marks (not verified)
Second that (nm)
Anonymous's picture
Timothy McCarthy (not verified)
I agree

Yee has my upmost confidence.

Anonymous's picture
JP (not verified)
Bike Works
cycling trips