Custom wheelbuilders vs stock?

Triathlon Forum
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I am looking to get a set of wheels built up for next years road season. I want carbon wheels, 404 depth, at least 24/28 spokes with a powertap. Basically a Zipp 404 with PT hub. A guy I know swears up and down that a custom wheel builder could build this set for cheaper than ordering a prebuilt set. So, not knowing any reputable wheelbuilders locally, I am looking online. The only builder I know of is Mike Garcia and www.oddsandendos.com . I am happy with the set he built for me last year, but I haven’t gotten a return email from him yet on a price for these wheels. I would go with our sponsor HED, but I am afraid of the Stingers being 20 or 24 rear spokes(I’m 190ish lbs). I’m not attached to Zipp either, in fact I could care less if they say Zipp at all on them.

Any online reputable wheelbuilders that you guys can recommend for me? Any other advice on the build would be great too. Thanks.

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http://www.wheelbuilder.com/
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You have to call mike if you want to get him; he doesnt really answer email.

If you only want 404 depth, perhaps consider getting the Gigantex rim (non-dimpled 404) or even a set of Cane Creeks, Pro-Lites, Tokens, or many of the other wheelsets that use a 404 proxy and then just get the rear hub redone.