Hand Built Wheel Recomendation

[hypster]

My LBS seems to be having issues getting components to build me a set of wheels. I've been looking at speedgoat's wheel building services. Has anyone got any experience of using them (or suggestions for an LBS in the Boston area)?

I'm on the big side (6'2" 230 lbs) and want a strong set of hoops for my hard tail.

[Slappy]

Are you dead set on having a custom set built up?
What build are you considering?

[hypster]

I have a set of custom road wheels (Shimano hubs w/Mavic rims) and they're so much more solid than any of the wheel sets I've ridden. For the MTB build I was just going to run with XT hubs and some mid-range mavic XM rims (317 probably). The stock wheels that came with the bike (random Bontrager wheels) have been OK but I like the idea of a set built to suit my somewhat lardy physique.

[auntesther1]

in the Boston Area I personally think you would be hard pressed to find a better wheel builder than Tyler At Paramount Bicycle on Broadway in Somerville.
Super tight and straight wheels. Measure all the components to make sure the proper length spokes, uses a DT Spoke tensionometer to ensure equal tension etc. Very reasonable build prices too...25 bucks a wheel plus materials I believe. I had a pair built a few weeks back and were back in my hands in under a week ( even though I told him no hurry)

[Slappy]

317s are pretty light...I'm 170ish and still run a slightly burlier rim, at least in the rear (519, not sure what the newest version of that is- it was in between a 517 and a 521)

Take a look at the Azonic Outlaws - good price, solid wheels. As a bonus, they can convert to fit different axle set ups.

[hypster]

Thx Slappy, I was pretty much guessing based on some initial guesswork from the internets. Will probably consider the 719 if I decide to go with mavic. One of the reasons I'm looking for a decent builder is to get some good advice too.

[Slider]

Are you comfortable with retensioning a wheel? My experience is that the best bang for the buck is to buy a machine built wheel from the e-tailer with the best price, then loosen it all the way out and retension carefully.

I'm a big guy, 234lbs right now. I don't emphasize light weight whenI buy a wheel, and instead go for non-butted spokes and steel nipples. XT is fine for the hub, and just pick one of the not-too-light Mavic rims. But for me a good deal, and careful retensioning, is more important that the brand.

Slider

[Quo Fan]

I build all my own custom wheels. I have all the same tools that a bike shop has. The best tool I bought myself was the spoke tensionometer. Once built, I usually don't have to re-true my wheels unless I do something really stupid to them.

[leebo]

I would recomend the cycle loft in Burlington. They have built up some nice wheels for me. The last ones were some hadleys laced up to some mavic 321 disk rims . 1 1/2 years and still going strong. I myself did not have good luck with xt hubs, kept trashing the freehubs. Any good bike shop should be able to build you a nice set of wheels with ease. Just figure out what you want for hubs and rims. some of the newer rims are wider,( 25-30 mm) for bigger tires.