Know of any reputable wheel builders?

TheSmithers
TheSmithers Posts: 291
edited May 2013 in Road buying advice
I'm going to be in the market for a pair of hand built wheels in the next month or so. I've pretty much made my mind up what wheels and where. However, it's the 'where' that's the problem, being Wheelsmith, who for the foreseeable future are not taking any new orders or inquiries while they contend with supply issues and a huge backlog of orders.

So, does anyone know of any other wheel builders, of a similar reputation, that could build me a set of wheels equivalent to these beauties from Wheelsmith? My budget will stretch to £1.5k.

IMG_0085.JPG

Thanks! :D

Comments

  • nochekmate
    nochekmate Posts: 3,460
    Come in when you are needed Ugo!
  • TheSmithers
    TheSmithers Posts: 291
    Haha! Yes, I'm familiar with Ugo. Seen his posts on many a 'What wheels' thread. He seems to be held in high regard on here, so I welcome anything he has to offer.

    I forgot to add, the wheels pictured are Gigantex rims on Chris King R45 hubs. I'm a light rider, only 70kg. While most of my rides are hilly, I've reached the speed now where I think I could notice an overall benefit from a set of aero wheels.
  • asprilla
    asprilla Posts: 8,440
    I've had wheels from:

    Harry Rowland
    Strada Wheels
    DCR Wheels (eagerly waiting for the Parcel Force van delivering some single speed wheels as I type)
    Just Riding Along
    Neil's Wheels (one of my LBS)
    Me

    They are all good builders with the exception of me; I'm just learning.
    Mud - Genesis Vapour CCX
    Race - Fuji Norcom Straight
    Sun - Cervelo R3
    Winter / Commute - Dolan ADX
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,325
    Hi Smithers...
    Gigantex rims are not available on the UK market... you can either get them from Wheelsmith who buy them in bulk from the manufacturer or you can buy them from the BHS, which is far east based anyway, I reckon. Planet X sell some Gigantex rims at an interesting price, but only tubulars.
    For a period CRC sold Gigantex rims branded as PRO-Lite, but I think they're gone now. BLB sell some other carbon clinchers, but they are heavier
    left the forum March 2023
  • drlodge
    drlodge Posts: 4,826
    Both my sets were built by Harry Rowland, and I can recommend him. I know he builds the 50mm Gigantex rims too.
    Ugo has recevied good press on this forum
    I had dealings with DCR Wheels mentioned above (NOS Dura Ace hubs) but don't know about his wheel building.
    WyndyMilla Massive Attack | Rourke 953 | Condor Italia 531 Pro | Boardman CX Pro | DT Swiss RR440 Tubeless Wheels
    Find me on Strava
  • TheSmithers
    TheSmithers Posts: 291
    Cool, thanks for the suggestions! Will certainly check out Harry Rowland.

    Ugo, what could you build that would be the nearest equivalent to these? I'm after something aero (no bigger than 50mm) that will be lighter, stiffer, faster and smoother than my current Mavic Aksiums. :lol:
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,325
    Cool, thanks for the suggestions! Will certainly check out Harry Rowland.

    Ugo, what could you build that would be the nearest equivalent to these? I'm after something aero (no bigger than 50mm) that will be lighter, stiffer, faster and smoother than my current Mavic Aksiums. :lol:

    If you are local, come and we can have a chat, otherwise I can second recommending Harry Rowland and maybe I can even give you some advice of where NOT to go... :?
    left the forum March 2023
  • TheSmithers
    TheSmithers Posts: 291
    I notice you're based in SW London. I work about a mile south of Waterloo station. Where are your premises based? I could arrange to come in, or alternatively discuss it over a Costa :)
  • mroli
    mroli Posts: 3,622
    As part of his advice, I reckon that it would probably be NOT to go to Costa!