Know of any reputable wheel builders?

TheSmithers

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.



Thanks!

nochekmate

Come in when you are needed Ugo!

TheSmithers

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

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.

ugo.santalucia

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

drlodge

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.

TheSmithers

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.

ugo.santalucia

TheSmithers wrote:

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.

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... :?

TheSmithers

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

As part of his advice, I reckon that it would probably be NOT to go to Costa!