New Wheels - Any wisdom about Rowland & Strada?

Von2

I want some new wheels for the Etapes du Tour (both of them).
Harry Rowland and Strada looked good from the net .... but what does experience say?

I am looking at £750'ish for the 2

I am 80kg, 6fft 2

Thanks for your advice

cossington

I've only experience of Harry Rowland - built me (6'3'', was 15 stone) a pair of wheels 6 years ago - did the job asked of them, nothing fancy, but stayed true, felt stiff, looked good.
He gives sound advice on the phone - he is likely to talk you out of the highest spec you may suggest, proposing alternatives that do the job. He certainly doesn't try to sell stuff to you, but gives sound advice.
He has built several wheels for the magazine bike tests over the last decade or so and always gets very good reviews. He also builds for Posh bikes.
A sound chap.

Strada, I have no experience of, agree they look good on the web site..
There are several other very well regarded builders, too (eg Pete Matthews, Paul Hewitt , Wheelsmith, etc), but sounds like you have a good shortlist of your two.

Best thing is to talk to these guys on the phone and see who's ideas/ opinions align with yours.

Good luck,

David

spokegeezer

Wheelsmith

marksteven

ive got some of harrys wheels well 6 pairs actually 6'1" 16stone did lejog on open pros with fully loaded touring bike . his pmp stuff is the muts nuts & you,l have a couple of hundred left, bonus , but seriously he is a top bloke

Von2

Guys

Appreciate you taking the time for the help
I will be calling him tomorrow!!!!

Steve

harrywolper

+ 1 for Harry. Cossington is 100% right in that Harry provides wheels for what you want rather than most expensive. His wheels also look great as they are a bit different.

Von2

I went to Harry for my wheels ... And they were so reasonably priced that I bought two sets 1 for each bike

Thanks for your help, guys

cossington

What build(s) did you go for?
Are the two sets identical or did you get some subtle differences built in?

David