Wheel builders in the area?

Wondering if anyone can recommend an LBS in the Coventry/Leamington area? Looking at getting my standard Charge rear wheel re-built with DB spokes. I don't want to pay a fortune though ;)

I hear Kev at Cov Cycle Centre is good, anyone know if the guys at Bike Yard or Atkins in Leam are any good?

My wheels built by Kev are still true after a year of riding so that's a thumbs up from me.

The downside to CCC is that they only have a limited stock of spokes so either you have to pay by the bucket load when they order you some or they will let you order your own and bring them in.

I don't know anyone else locally.

Why does it need a re-build?

It's the factory wheel that came on my Charge, and I've had a number of snapped spokes now. It seems t be weakened by the different spokes on it. I think that a full rebuild should make it usable again :)

+1 for Atkins from when i used to live over that way.

Billy doesnt have a wheel jig at thebikeyard
he sends them over to Albany
Best to go to simon you know he'll sort you out with it

There's also Mike Vaughans? Kenilworth?

I avoid Vaughans. I find them a little too elitist most of the time.

Oh really? Thats good to know......

They will only work on stuff you've bought from them as well. "Too busy" to work on bikes that were bought elsewhere apparently. Sadly, my Trek hybrid came from them. They've been quite helpful generally, but I always feel like they're talking down at me when I'm in there, and I at least have an idea what I'm talking about. I just don't wear lycra ;)

I avoid Vaughans. I find them a little too elitist most of the time.
+1, they're bad most the time...

I've had a second hand wheel off Kev that he built himself and it's been good.

They're only nice to me seeing as my dad used to ride with Mike Vaughan

MV staff are ok once you get to know them. They like high end bikes though.

Best take that wheel to Kev at CCC, Steve, another vote from me - the ones he built me are doing well over a year on, currently carrying me 25 miles a day without trouble.

Albany cycles did me a hub-geared wheel for £25 labour inc. spokes. It's been holding up well to daily use since November.

Coventry Cycle Centre is just around the corner from me, but they wanted £35 labour PLUS spokes. I thought I must've misheard him!

Albany tend to prefer DT spokes which tend to make things cost a fortune... I had a set of MTB wheels built by Simon some years back and they were pretty damned good!

Albany are my fall back, as I know they'll be good but trying to save money if I can :)

Albany were the cheaper one, CCC were £20 more. Both were using DT spokes. Anyway, I'd just ring 'em up.

Cool, I'll give Simon and the gang a call, or pop in. Thanks :)

Best take that wheel to Kev at CCC.

Kev's no longer at CCC, in case anyone goes in and asks for him...

ahh why not?

Kev's no longer at CCC, in case anyone goes in and asks for him...

What? That's like The Kickstand without Yehuda. Where's he gone?

P.s. Is Mike still there?

yeah think so.

Ok, might drop him a text to try and get the goss.

When are you next in or around Coventry Andy? Would be good to catch up!

Maybe on 19th weekend. Any visit is 100% spent on making house more likely to sell tho, so not been very social. That said, there's a kettle so feel free to drop by - be good to catch up. Check on the day to be sure i'm about tho.

P.s. I'm in Brum on Thurs this week also, not sure if i'll have free time though. Again text or PM if you're around.

If you need any help on the house, I don't mind getting my hands dirty :)