Best place to get a pair of wheels rebuilt in or near Harlow

piedwagtail
piedwagtail Posts: 42
edited April 2011 in Workshop
Hi
I've got a set of DT Swiss wheels; RR 1.1 rims built onto 340 hubs but the rims are worn out, and after my last crash they've got some pretty good buckles too. The hubs still feel buttery smooth so I'd like to buy a new set of the same rims and spokes and get it rebuilt.

Anyone know where would be good to get them rebuilt around Harlow, Essex??

And would it be worth talking to the guys in the shop to see if another set of rims might be better suited? Just moved up from Cornwall where the light weight was great, but something a bit more aero might be better now if possible i suppose.
Also, best to take the rims off and just take in the hubs, or leave it to the guys in the shop?

And also what sort of price can I expect?

Sorry the questions just keep coming... never had wheels built before :D

Thanks in advance

Comments

  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    If replacing with different rims expect to budget for new spokes to. Expect to pay £25-ish for a wheel build on top of the price of the rim and 50p per spoke. Shorter Cycles in Rochford might be OK for a wheel build round your way or try someone like wheelsmith.co.uk who'll build a pair using your current hubs e.g. IRC Cadence rims
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • chrisw71
    chrisw71 Posts: 10
    Unfortunately there are few bike shops in the immediate Harlow area but one other option is to learn to re-build them yourself.
    Of course it takes a little bravery to put your faith in your own abilities but wheelbuilding is not some mystical art despite what many will tell you and simply replacing a rim is a good place to start.
    Today sees the opening of a new project in Harlow, the Hub and Spoke. A new social enterprise which aims to provide bike servicing and repairs, including bike maintenance training and recycling.
    With a fully equipped workshop we could provide you the tools, facilities and guidance to have a go and learn a new skill.
    Sorry for the shameless plug but feel free to pop along to see what we offer- Hub and Spoke, Harlow, Bush Fair, CM18 6NZ
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    There's not much in Harlow tbh, good LBS in Bishops Stortford that could help you.

    Bakers Bikes and you want to speak with Chris Baker ...... or Ciclos Uno in Hainault for a better deal.
  • Cheers guys, I'll have a ride around and speak to the shops. Going to Hainault and Stortford isn't difficult. And I've just found Spokes in Epping, anyone used them??

    Chris, I have considered trying to do it myself, I always true wheels at home, but I haven't got a proper trueing stand, so I probably wouldn't be able to get it quite right only uing brake pads, plus they have such a high spoke tension at the moment, that I'm not sure I could get them as stiff as they used to be.

    Thanks again