I had a good chat with Strada's wheel builder at the Bespoked Bristol cycle show. He clearly knew his stuff and took the opportunity to jump on one of the wheels on show. This was built up with a carbon rim and Sapim CX Ray spokes.
I was impressed they always ask how heavy you are! I dare say Theo might have some opinions on the components they use, certainly they are using top quality spokes. The radial and transverse run out tolerances they work to are impressive.
In my view a machine is a very good tool to build a wheel, the process is afterall one of repeated adjustment and balance. I think what you get with a handbuilt wheel is EXACTLY what you want and sometimes at a slightly lower price. Building them yourself is definitely cheaper, but I for one can't reach the tolerances Strada boast!
They are pretty legit, but a bit ovepriced for example they charge £475 for ambrosio crono f20's laced to generic hubs with sapim race. Dcr wheels (also in hove) will do exactly the same only with novatec hubs (weight almost the same) for £235
Vision T42, Strada H plus Son SL42 with the DTswiss hub or the Shimano RS80 C50? I like the deep rims purely because that look good and would suit my aero frame, but can't justify/afford carbon. for the price these seem the best on offer.
Comments
I was impressed they always ask how heavy you are! I dare say Theo might have some opinions on the components they use, certainly they are using top quality spokes. The radial and transverse run out tolerances they work to are impressive.
In my view a machine is a very good tool to build a wheel, the process is afterall one of repeated adjustment and balance. I think what you get with a handbuilt wheel is EXACTLY what you want and sometimes at a slightly lower price. Building them yourself is definitely cheaper, but I for one can't reach the tolerances Strada boast!
Daniel
for example they charge £475 for ambrosio crono f20's laced to generic hubs with sapim race.
Dcr wheels (also in hove) will do exactly the same only with novatec hubs (weight almost the same) for £235
my 3 choices at present are
Vision T42, Strada H plus Son SL42 with the DTswiss hub or the Shimano RS80 C50? I like the deep rims purely because that look good and would suit my aero frame, but can't justify/afford carbon. for the price these seem the best on offer.