Going rates for LBS wheelbuilding?
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That would be the range: $30-$50/wheel
Don't forget spoke prep, misc tools and all that. It adds up quickly. But still, a fun thing to do if you have the time.mtnlyon said:
As I don't have a lot of extra time, I prefer to have wheels built by a top notch builder (like Larry @ Mtn. High, or Steve @ GravyWheels) and have them trued up as necessary (about 1x per year).
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8,171 Posts
it's not that hard...
I've now built 3. The first took 8 hours (I pulled it apart because I couldn't see Hadley though the valve stem) and just general confusion regarding pushing and pulling directions and disc hubs, the next 5 hours, and a couple of days ago 3 hours for a King/Dt Swiss 4.2D. I'm slow and methodical which is good for this application but I'd get fired in a hurry as a wrench at a shop.
On the other hand, if your used to making a decent wage at your regular job then $50 doesn't seem too much for a hand-built wheel. Unless you bought the hubs, rims and spokes from the LBS at full retail then perhaps they should throw in the labor:skep:
I found Mike T's and Sheldon Brown's websites and info EXTREMELY helpul:thumbsup:
I've now built 3. The first took 8 hours (I pulled it apart because I couldn't see Hadley though the valve stem) and just general confusion regarding pushing and pulling directions and disc hubs, the next 5 hours, and a couple of days ago 3 hours for a King/Dt Swiss 4.2D. I'm slow and methodical which is good for this application but I'd get fired in a hurry as a wrench at a shop.
On the other hand, if your used to making a decent wage at your regular job then $50 doesn't seem too much for a hand-built wheel. Unless you bought the hubs, rims and spokes from the LBS at full retail then perhaps they should throw in the labor:skep:
I found Mike T's and Sheldon Brown's websites and info EXTREMELY helpul:thumbsup:
We charge $35 in labor plus any parts that are needed... But I'll second the notion of DIY. I just built up a set of wheels with used XTR hubs and dt revo spokes onto maveric rims. Was a great little project. Just made a fire out back, bought a 12pack one night and laced them up.
Of course, without the proper tools like a dish stick and spoke tensionometer its hard to tell how well you've done.
Of course, without the proper tools like a dish stick and spoke tensionometer its hard to tell how well you've done.
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