I do totally agree with the idea that the skill of the wheel builder is the most important predictor of wheel strength and reliability. I have and have had wheels built by Peter White as well as some highly recommended local-to-Denver wheel builders and you can just tell... a really well built wheel has a magic and strength to it that almost defies description. And agreed too on the idea that the wheels are just as important as the frame, maybe even more so.
The only problem I have had is a somewhat natural inclination to try and build bikes worthy of those incredible wheels! I have a set of wheels built by Ryan at Totem Cycles in Denver (highly recommended!) that are disc capable but use Velocity Atlas rims (36h, SON front / WI rear). They are absolutely beautiful and strong - but the bikes I have built around them have never measured up! Until now, though... They are now on the Joe Appaloosa, obviously ignoring their disc possibilities, but still, finally a bike worthy of the wheels. The Joe is going into full touring and rough stuff mode and appreciably better wheels for it would not be possible, not for me anyway. If I do find a way down the road, I may very well have a relatively light wheelset built for the incoming Sam but for now, I may just use what I have for it, and be content. Just ride, as has been wisely said before... :>) And here's to the return of potential riding weather here in the previously completely frozen midwest! Bob Lovejoy Galesburg, IL On Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 8:39:29 AM UTC-6, Ryan wrote: > > Hi Bob > > I've found that whatever wheel components you pick, having them built up > by a good wheelbuilder makes all the difference, unless you have those > skills yourself. > > My wheels were mostly built by a friend who once owned a bike shop and > sold me my X0-1 and have held up admirably. When I ordered my mixte from > Riv I had my wheels built by Rich Lesnick; they were about 900.00 if I > recall correctly > > 32 front 36 rear, Velocity 650B with White M15 hubs , DT double-butted > spokes. > > To my mind, wheels next to the frame , are the foundation of any fine > bicycle, so paying a premium for a skilled wheelbuilder is worth it to me. > I know that likely many on the list can probably build excellent wheels; > Mr. Lindsay comes to mind > > Good luck with whatever you go with. > > Regards, > > Ryan Fleming in Winnipeg > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
