18 replies to this topic

[xikillmex]

Matt Hartman, on 14 March 2011 - 09:31 AM, said:

Pre-made wheelsets are pretty cheap online. Bell's Bike Shop has tons of Velocity sets but they are all built on Origin8 hubs. These are rebranded Formula hubs right? I am weary because I have had some bad luck with Origin8 stuff before. Does anyone know if Bell's Bike Shop is legit? Or know of any other economical way to get a Velocity Deep V wheelset? Don't want to spend more than $300ish.

Yep, the Origin8 hubs are actually Formula hubs, just as you suspected.  And yes, Bell's is awesome, LOW prices, fast service, good guys. I've ordered Vittoria Randos from them like 3 or four times now.  Unfortunately I can't give any advice on how to get deep V's, other than eBay.  I'd say that the cheapest way if you're going for a brand new set.  Another light wheelset I'm fond of is Dura Ace track hubs to Mavic Open Pros. ****ing bulletproof, light as hell, and around the same price as V's to Formulas.  These can be found all over the webz too.

[mijunkin]

I just got a set of Deep Vs to formulas from Bell's.  They had some real cheap sets, but I paid a little more to have a machined front and non-machined rear.  They were the cheapest I could find, and one of the only places offering that combo.  Shipped quick, gave tracking info.  No complaints.

[rockhound]

Try building a wheelset yourself, it's not that bad.

[your_mother]

rockhound, on 15 March 2011 - 06:50 PM, said:

Try building a wheelset yourself, it's not that bad.

If you've got the time and patience, it's a valuable skill to develop.  It really isn't that hard--get a decent book (like Zinn's), familiarize yourself with Sheldon Brown's wheel building tips, and for now ignore purists like Jobst Brandt.[1]

If you start with a decent rim and take things slowly, it's fairly straightforward.  The only fancy tool I use is a spoke wrench.  My truing stand is an old front fork from a T-34 tank or some such.  Made my own feelers from hacksaw blades and magnets.  Haven't had a wheel fail yet.


[1] Brandt is a bit much to take on for a first time wheel builder.  If you really get bitten by the bug and want to become an uberpurist, then get Brandt's book.