::::~ Wheelbuilders thread ~::::

[Archibald]

If the wheel hasn't been wacked and the wheel's tension even and OK, sure, re-use them. I'd get new nipps but have reused spokes more than a couple of times.

no whacks in my time.
had the build priced up and was nearly $500, which is pretty close to what the bike is probably now worth - but damn, I do like these wheels and would probably last quite a few years...

$500???? Using old/your hubs?? Rims are about $80 per, I charge $50 labor per wheel and $1.15 per Sapim Race Spoke WITH SecureLock nipples....I'll do it for $325 plus shipping....send me your hubs. I have been building wheels for 31 years....

I'm not in the US...
Your $325 translates to almost $430 here - before international postal rates
Makes the $472+ about right then as international postage both ways will likely be more than $40 in total...

Appreciate the offer though.

Where are you located in Aus?

Sydney
Emma Way thread should be a giveaway

 

[42x16ss]

Oh yeah...

Turramurra Cycles used to have a very good wheel builder there, but that was 10+ years ago so I couldn't say if they still do. It's been 10 years since I last lived there. If you were in Perth or Queensland I could fix you up with someone easy.

 

[Giuseppe Magnetico]

Sydney
Emma Way thread should be a giveaway

Does Google not work in Sydney

Happy Wheels
Wooly's Wheels
Jet Cycles
Chainsmith
Bikebug
MC Cyclery

If none are satisfactory than have Shifterbikes in Melbourne, or Melody Wheels all the way over in Fremantle ship some to you. I'm sure you'll save a few $$ staying away from currency exchange rates and shipping within AUS over Intl shipping. I ship wheel sets from the furthest reaches of the West Coast of the US to the East coast for about $25-$30USD. Australia can't be much different.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

Sydney
Emma Way thread should be a giveaway

Does Google not work in Sydney

Happy Wheels
Wooly's Wheels
Jet Cycles
Chainsmith
Bikebug
MC Cyclery

If none are satisfactory than have Shifterbikes in Melbourne, or Melody Wheels all the way over in Fremantle ship some to you. I'm sure you'll save a few $$ staying away from currency exchange rates and shipping within AUS over Intl shipping. I ship wheel sets from the furthest reaches of the West Coast of the US to the East coast for about $25-$30USD. Australia can't be much different.

Does BikeFlights.com work 'down under?' I wonder.

 

[Archibald]

Sydney
Emma Way thread should be a giveaway

Does Google not work in Sydney

Happy Wheels
Wooly's Wheels
Jet Cycles
Chainsmith
Bikebug
MC Cyclery

If none are satisfactory than have Shifterbikes in Melbourne, or Melody Wheels all the way over in Fremantle ship some to you. I'm sure you'll save a few $$ staying away from currency exchange rates and shipping within AUS over Intl shipping. I ship wheel sets from the furthest reaches of the West Coast of the US to the East coast for about $25-$30USD. Australia can't be much different.

remember I said "priced up"?
so, yes, I've looked around and asked... including some, but not all of those you mention. Also some others you didn't.
None are cheap, just to save a pair of nice hubs.
hell, one of the stores you note above said straight out not to bother, and just get a new set of fulcrum 5s for half the price...

 

[Giuseppe Magnetico]

Sydney
Emma Way thread should be a giveaway

Does Google not work in Sydney

Happy Wheels
Wooly's Wheels
Jet Cycles
Chainsmith
Bikebug
MC Cyclery

If none are satisfactory than have Shifterbikes in Melbourne, or Melody Wheels all the way over in Fremantle ship some to you. I'm sure you'll save a few $$ staying away from currency exchange rates and shipping within AUS over Intl shipping. I ship wheel sets from the furthest reaches of the West Coast of the US to the East coast for about $25-$30USD. Australia can't be much different.

remember I said "priced up"?
so, yes, I've looked around and asked... including some, but not all of those you mention. Also some others you didn't.
None are cheap, just to save a pair of nice hubs.
hell, one of the stores you note above said straight out not to bother, and just get a new set of fulcrum 5s for half the price...

If price is your only motivator to get this project underway, then I think you already have your answer.

 

[Archibald]

Sydney
Emma Way thread should be a giveaway

Does Google not work in Sydney

Happy Wheels
Wooly's Wheels
Jet Cycles
Chainsmith
Bikebug
MC Cyclery

If none are satisfactory than have Shifterbikes in Melbourne, or Melody Wheels all the way over in Fremantle ship some to you. I'm sure you'll save a few $$ staying away from currency exchange rates and shipping within AUS over Intl shipping. I ship wheel sets from the furthest reaches of the West Coast of the US to the East coast for about $25-$30USD. Australia can't be much different.

remember I said "priced up"?
so, yes, I've looked around and asked... including some, but not all of those you mention. Also some others you didn't.
None are cheap, just to save a pair of nice hubs.
hell, one of the stores you note above said straight out not to bother, and just get a new set of fulcrum 5s for half the price...

If price is your only motivator to get this project underway, then I think you already have your answer.

I wouldn't call it a 'motivator', but more of a 'restrictor'

 

[Bustedknuckle]

Sydney
Emma Way thread should be a giveaway

Does Google not work in Sydney

Happy Wheels
Wooly's Wheels
Jet Cycles
Chainsmith
Bikebug
MC Cyclery

If none are satisfactory than have Shifterbikes in Melbourne, or Melody Wheels all the way over in Fremantle ship some to you. I'm sure you'll save a few $$ staying away from currency exchange rates and shipping within AUS over Intl shipping. I ship wheel sets from the furthest reaches of the West Coast of the US to the East coast for about $25-$30USD. Australia can't be much different.

remember I said "priced up"?
so, yes, I've looked around and asked... including some, but not all of those you mention. Also some others you didn't.
None are cheap, just to save a pair of nice hubs.
hell, one of the stores you note above said straight out not to bother, and just get a new set of fulcrum 5s for half the price...

And I wouldn't bother with that shop.

 

[winkybiker]

Sydney
Emma Way thread should be a giveaway

Does Google not work in Sydney

Happy Wheels
Wooly's Wheels
Jet Cycles
Chainsmith
Bikebug
MC Cyclery

If none are satisfactory than have Shifterbikes in Melbourne, or Melody Wheels all the way over in Fremantle ship some to you. I'm sure you'll save a few $$ staying away from currency exchange rates and shipping within AUS over Intl shipping. I ship wheel sets from the furthest reaches of the West Coast of the US to the East coast for about $25-$30USD. Australia can't be much different.

remember I said "priced up"?
so, yes, I've looked around and asked... including some, but not all of those you mention. Also some others you didn't.
None are cheap, just to save a pair of nice hubs.
hell, one of the stores you note above said straight out not to bother, and just get a new set of fulcrum 5s for half the price...

And I wouldn't bother with that shop.

I'm riding a set of Fulcrum 5s (CX version) on my winter bike at the moment. Brilliant wheels.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

Sydney
Emma Way thread should be a giveaway

Does Google not work in Sydney

Happy Wheels
Wooly's Wheels
Jet Cycles
Chainsmith
Bikebug
MC Cyclery

If none are satisfactory than have Shifterbikes in Melbourne, or Melody Wheels all the way over in Fremantle ship some to you. I'm sure you'll save a few $$ staying away from currency exchange rates and shipping within AUS over Intl shipping. I ship wheel sets from the furthest reaches of the West Coast of the US to the East coast for about $25-$30USD. Australia can't be much different.

remember I said "priced up"?
so, yes, I've looked around and asked... including some, but not all of those you mention. Also some others you didn't.
None are cheap, just to save a pair of nice hubs.
hell, one of the stores you note above said straight out not to bother, and just get a new set of fulcrum 5s for half the price...

And I wouldn't bother with that shop.

I'm riding a set of Fulcrum 5s (CX version) on my winter bike at the moment. Brilliant wheels.

Not saying they aren't but a 'real' bike shop, a true 'pro' shop, has people that can build wheels. Essential part of the bike mechanic's 'tool bag'..IMHO

 

[JayKosta]

...
Not saying they aren't but a 'real' bike shop, a true 'pro' shop, has people that can build wheels. Essential part of the bike mechanic's 'tool bag'..IMHO

----------------------------------
True, but a concern of a good shop is knowing that the wheels are in excellent condition when they deliver them - and using customer supplied used hubs is a worry. What do they tell the customer if/when problems happens.

Rebuilding with used parts is ok if everyone knows and accepts the risks, but for a customer who wants 'do it once and make it good', using new good quality parts (or buying a new factory item) is the most reliable way.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

 

[Giuseppe Magnetico]

----------------------------------
True, but a concern of a good shop is knowing that the wheels are in excellent condition when they deliver them - and using customer supplied used hubs is a worry. What do they tell the customer if/when problems happens.

Rebuilding with used parts is ok if everyone knows and accepts the risks, but for a customer who wants 'do it once and make it good', using new good quality parts (or buying a new factory item) is the most reliable way.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

A decent set of hubs will last hundreds of thousands of miles, decades really if taken care of and can be rebuilt many times. The "worry" and "risk" becomes evident when a shop is just winging it. Either by not having a well rounded service department with wheel experience, or helping the customer make the right decisions. 'Do it once and make it good' can be achieved reliably with used parts, the best shops around do it all the time. New doesn't always equate to reliable, or even necessary.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

...
Not saying they aren't but a 'real' bike shop, a true 'pro' shop, has people that can build wheels. Essential part of the bike mechanic's 'tool bag'..IMHO

----------------------------------
True, but a concern of a good shop is knowing that the wheels are in excellent condition when they deliver them - and using customer supplied used hubs is a worry. What do they tell the customer if/when problems happens.

Rebuilding with used parts is ok if everyone knows and accepts the risks, but for a customer who wants 'do it once and make it good', using new good quality parts (or buying a new factory item) is the most reliable way.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

Hubs, unlike rims and spokes, are simple beasts that last decades. If the 'supplied' hub is in good shape and relaced properly, and the wheel built properly, it just isn't an issue. I saw bigger problems with people bringing in new, but crappy hubs..like low end, often asian ones, with poor design, poor bearings, poor or no adjustment available. Just talking to the customer about the pitfalls of these 'suppled' hubs sufficed in most all cases. BUT I agree..Campag, shimano, DT, WI, others, use the best, along with the best hubs and spokes, for the best, most reliable, wheels.

My point was that in many shops, who say they have 'good mechanics', if they can't build a good wheel..aren't 'good mechanics', IMHO..

 

[Giuseppe Magnetico]

30 years wheel building and I've never built with the Easton R90 SL rims. I've rebuilt many Velomax (pre Easton) wheels, but never their standalone rim. So anyone with an opinion on these it would be great to hear anything about them.

My initial impressions from their spec sheet leaves me with one criticism; they list max kgf at 122. That's a telling sign the alloy they use is soft or the extrusion is thin. I usually like to get drive side spokes with alu rims to about 140kgf. Go for it, or steer clear?

 

[King Boonen]

My point was that in many shops, who say they have 'good mechanics', if they can't build a good wheel..aren't 'good mechanics', IMHO..

This is how I judge a shop when it comes to road bikes. With the right tools I can do any job on a bike as well as 90% of mechanics out there. Yes, I'm a bit slower at it as I do it less but the end result is the same.

But not wheels. Even taking my time I can't build as good a wheel as a proper mechanic can. I'm sure I could learn, but it's a job I'm willing to leave to the guys who know about it. Same goes for the choice of wheel parts. I know I've found a good mechanic/builder when I can go in, describe my riding and they know what my options are for a build.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

30 years wheel building and I've never built with the Easton R90 SL rims. I've rebuilt many Velomax (pre Easton) wheels, but never their standalone rim. So anyone with an opinion on these it would be great to hear anything about them.

My initial impressions from their spec sheet leaves me with one criticism; they list max kgf at 122. That's a telling sign the alloy they use is soft or the extrusion is thin. I usually like to get drive side spokes with alu rims to about 140kgf. Go for it, or steer clear?

You tension it to 140kgf and you are asking for a nipple to pull through on the mentioned rims.

 

[Giuseppe Magnetico]

30 years wheel building and I've never built with the Easton R90 SL rims. I've rebuilt many Velomax (pre Easton) wheels, but never their standalone rim. So anyone with an opinion on these it would be great to hear anything about them.

My initial impressions from their spec sheet leaves me with one criticism; they list max kgf at 122. That's a telling sign the alloy they use is soft or the extrusion is thin. I usually like to get drive side spokes with alu rims to about 140kgf. Go for it, or steer clear?

You tension it to 140kgf and you are asking for a nipple to pull through on the mentioned rims.

How do you really know unless you've built with these? Lot's of rims out there list max kgf at 120ish and sometimes I gas it a bit more depending how the rims are reacting during the build process, never any long term problems. I'm simply asking for feedback from someone with experience building or riding these particular rims. Have any?

 

[Bustedknuckle]

30 years wheel building and I've never built with the Easton R90 SL rims. I've rebuilt many Velomax (pre Easton) wheels, but never their standalone rim. So anyone with an opinion on these it would be great to hear anything about them.

My initial impressions from their spec sheet leaves me with one criticism; they list max kgf at 122. That's a telling sign the alloy they use is soft or the extrusion is thin. I usually like to get drive side spokes with alu rims to about 140kgf. Go for it, or steer clear?

You tension it to 140kgf and you are asking for a nipple to pull through on the mentioned rims.

How do you really know unless you've built with these? Lot's of rims out there list max kgf at 120ish and sometimes I gas it a bit more depending how the rims are reacting during the build process, never any long term problems. I'm simply asking for feedback from someone with experience building or riding these particular rims. Have any?

Errr, I have(?)..as you mentioned, thin walled, trying to be light, light. 455 grams but kinda aero-y so thin..R90Sl rim?

But your wheels, do whatever you want.

 

[Giuseppe Magnetico]

30 years wheel building and I've never built with the Easton R90 SL rims. I've rebuilt many Velomax (pre Easton) wheels, but never their standalone rim. So anyone with an opinion on these it would be great to hear anything about them.

My initial impressions from their spec sheet leaves me with one criticism; they list max kgf at 122. That's a telling sign the alloy they use is soft or the extrusion is thin. I usually like to get drive side spokes with alu rims to about 140kgf. Go for it, or steer clear?

You tension it to 140kgf and you are asking for a nipple to pull through on the mentioned rims.

How do you really know unless you've built with these? Lot's of rims out there list max kgf at 120ish and sometimes I gas it a bit more depending how the rims are reacting during the build process, never any long term problems. I'm simply asking for feedback from someone with experience building or riding these particular rims. Have any?

Errr, I have(?)..as you mentioned, thin walled, trying to be light, light. 455 grams but kinda aero-y so thin..R90Sl rim?

But your wheels, do whatever you want.

Yep, R90 SL. That's what I needed to hear, because max kgf is probably one of the most arbitrary numbers in wheels.

 

[Giuseppe Magnetico]

Here's another one. Remember Rigida from way back? Now called Ryde, and as of last year they've been making a big push in the US market with a big catalog featuring a bunch of new designs. Lots of wide stance, asym, ultralight to bomber, many applications. Curious if anyone here is building with or riding these rims. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

Re:

Here's another one. Remember Rigida from way back? Now called Ryde, and as of last year they've been making a big push in the US market with a big catalog featuring a bunch of new designs. Lots of wide stance, asym, ultralight to bomber, many applications. Curious if anyone here is building with or riding these rims. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

Thor USA sells them. I've never seen one..light and not cheap..$135

http://www.thorusa.com/accessories/rims.htm

 

[Giuseppe Magnetico]

Re: Re:

Here's another one. Remember Rigida from way back? Now called Ryde, and as of last year they've been making a big push in the US market with a big catalog featuring a bunch of new designs. Lots of wide stance, asym, ultralight to bomber, many applications. Curious if anyone here is building with or riding these rims. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

Thor USA sells them. I've never seen one..light and not cheap..$135

http://www.thorusa.com/accessories/rims.htm

Ryde MSRP is pretty normal considering:
HED Belgium+ $150
Velocity Quill $126

But, I get it. Hard to think of what was formerly Rigida and Weinmann as top shelf contender. The designs look great tho.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

Re: Re:

Here's another one. Remember Rigida from way back? Now called Ryde, and as of last year they've been making a big push in the US market with a big catalog featuring a bunch of new designs. Lots of wide stance, asym, ultralight to bomber, many applications. Curious if anyone here is building with or riding these rims. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

Thor USA sells them. I've never seen one..light and not cheap..$135

http://www.thorusa.com/accessories/rims.htm

Ryde MSRP is pretty normal considering:
HED Belgium+ $150
Velocity Quill $126

But, I get it. Hard to think of what was formerly Rigida and Weinmann as top shelf contender. The designs look great tho.

Not sure why HED are so expensive. Another Asian made rim(and that's NOT a bad thing) like Ryde and DT460, as an example but way more $. DT460 about $55(DT factory, just in Asia), H+Son less than $90..

 

[Giuseppe Magnetico]

Re: Re:

Here's another one. Remember Rigida from way back? Now called Ryde, and as of last year they've been making a big push in the US market with a big catalog featuring a bunch of new designs. Lots of wide stance, asym, ultralight to bomber, many applications. Curious if anyone here is building with or riding these rims. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

Thor USA sells them. I've never seen one..light and not cheap..$135

http://www.thorusa.com/accessories/rims.htm

Ryde MSRP is pretty normal considering:
HED Belgium+ $150
Velocity Quill $126

But, I get it. Hard to think of what was formerly Rigida and Weinmann as top shelf contender. The designs look great tho.

Not sure why HED are so expensive. Another Asian made rim(and that's NOT a bad thing) like Ryde and DT460, as an example but way more $. DT460 about $55(DT factory, just in Asia), H+Son less than $90..

HED was first to realize the benefits of wider profiles so that gives them free reign to charge whatever they want. $150 for an aluminum on the heavy side of light apparently doesn't phase people because they sell a ton.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

Re: Re:

Here's another one. Remember Rigida from way back? Now called Ryde, and as of last year they've been making a big push in the US market with a big catalog featuring a bunch of new designs. Lots of wide stance, asym, ultralight to bomber, many applications. Curious if anyone here is building with or riding these rims. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

Thor USA sells them. I've never seen one..light and not cheap..$135

http://www.thorusa.com/accessories/rims.htm

Ryde MSRP is pretty normal considering:
HED Belgium+ $150
Velocity Quill $126

But, I get it. Hard to think of what was formerly Rigida and Weinmann as top shelf contender. The designs look great tho.

Not sure why HED are so expensive. Another Asian made rim(and that's NOT a bad thing) like Ryde and DT460, as an example but way more $. DT460 about $55(DT factory, just in Asia), H+Son less than $90..

HED was first to realize the benefits of wider profiles so that gives them free reign to charge whatever they want. $150 for an aluminum on the heavy side of light apparently doesn't phase people because they sell a ton.

Doesn't really matter but I think Velocity and the A23 was one of the first(First?) to make and sell a wide rim..OC rear to boot. I know they sell a lot and they make for a nice wheel but not 30% better than Velocity, H+Son, Pacenti, others, IMHO.