I recently needed to get a set of wheels built up, and after doing a bit of research, I was surprised by the difference in prices etc.
For instance:
Brunswick St Cycles:
$75 per wheel, $2.50 per DT Swiss Comp spoke
Human Powered Cycles:
$90.00 per wheel (including DT Swiss Comp spokes!)
iRide
$60.00 per wheel, $1.50 per DT Swiss Comp spoke
Bit of a variance here!
I ended up going with iRide, the owner seems to be a nice guy- we’ll see how the wheels are when they’re finished. I needed it to be done in the city, so no shifterbikes this time.
I just thought it was interesting how the prices are so different.
The main problem is getting the spokes and getting the right length etc- it’s a bit of a hassle. MUCH easier to give it to an expert if you know what I mean.
And you also have to know how to build a wheel in the first place…
i asked dan @ shifter bikes about a wheel build and he charges $55 per wheel and $3 for bladed wheelsmith spokes… which is crazy cheap! i’m thinking about sending him a set of hubs to build up from sydney…
Sounds about right, spendy stuff like ksyriums get to ~ 1.5kg the set excluding skewers. You have a much more serviceable set at a minor weight penalty amd lots less $.
I haven’t personally had any wheels build from the four options I listed. Therefore I’ll start with price, and hope for the best. They seem good so far!
Yeah, I mean the quality of the builder. I guess someone’s gotta be the guinea pig if there’s no feedback regarding the quality of those place, best of luck!
And yep, we’re in Hobart, so not much use to you there!
My advice from years of working in bike workshops small and large, is get your wheels built in smaller shops i.e iride, shifter these guys survive on the quality of there work. You go to a busy workshop and you may not have the wheel built on the day when the best or most experienced wheel builder is working and the work can go to who ever is free on the day. On the topic don’t be swayed to get any crazy spoke crossing unless you don’t plan to do any serious riding I see lots of wiredly laced wheels i.e radial on the drive side to coming into the shop.
