Rim Tape & Plugs

Building up my first bike from the frame up, I wanted to splurge on the wheelset and get one that will last me a long time. Went with the Stan's Flow EX on Hope Pro 2 hubs, double butted spokes on a stainless steel freehub body.

I've put quite a bit of abuse on them since the build was done, and they feel great. Tension is holding up great, looks true as it can be. I'm really happy with them so far. The 1 year warranty is a nice bonus, but hopefully won't be necessary.

Shipping was only a few days late, I think 2. I wasn't too worried. Rather have it done right and late than rushed and botched.
Quality work for a reasonable price, with a lot of custom options.

I buy most everything online these days. There are a few online stores that 'do it right' - like Amazon, ModernBike - and I have found another one - ProWheelBuilder.com. I am a rather hard core 'recreational' rider - centuries and work commuter (36 miles per day) and have been riding my carbon fiber geared bike now for the past 6 or 7 years. I traded a friend a pair of pedals for an old Raleigh chromoly steel frame and thought I would jump into building up a commuter single speed bike. I also thought while at it, why not build my first set of wheels. I didn't know what I was doing - still learning every day - and have spent more time on Sheldon Brown's website than I have with my wife the past 6 months. With enough knowledge to be dangerous, I started dealing with ProWheelBuilder. I had lots of questions and was and continue to be very impressed with the patience shown me by both Debra and Richard Craig - the owners. They are responsive to email and phone questions and concerns, they are honest and they possess just enough of a sense of humor to get through it all. I made some mistakes in my initial ordering and Richard came through with another solution for me very professionally and to my complete satisfaction. I love this site and have had so much fun putting this bike together - I know I will be building another and another and I will buy all my wheel stuff from ProWheelBuilders. I highly recommend these guys. Thanks Richard and Debra and keep up the excellent work and customer service!!!