Aiming to get a Power-Tap Pro-series 28-hole hub within the next couple weeks (hopefully). I aim to take the Power-Tap hub along with my tri-bike to an LBS to have my wheel rebuilt around it. My current tri-bike, one of the Slowman’s last while at QR, is a 98/99 QR Kilo. Most of the components are stock including the Velocity Deep V rims and the QR hub.
Assuming I keep the existing rim, don’t get $hitty spokes, nor that I get Ti or Carbon, what should I expect to pay?
Why in the world would you want to make a sizeable investment like a PowerTap and use your old rim? This strikes me as a really good example of false economics at work. Bite the bullet and buy a new rim, it’s worth it.
As regards your question, wheel building prices vary from shop to shop and region to region. I highly recommend that you ask around and find the best local wheelbuilder, and pay that person whatever they charge, regardless of the answers you get here.
MH
I’d also recommend getting a new rim. A mavic open pro or cxp-33 shouldn’t cost you more than another $60.00. I’ve gotten several wheels built by the Bike Center in Stockbridge. It’s just 20 minutes south of the airport. Their mechanic Jason is really good. He built me a pair of open pros last year and they have yet to come out of true. I paid $35 for labor and $30 for spokes. They even give you a free wheel truing after you ride them for awhile, but i’ve yet to bring mine back. www.bikecenterusa.com