Can anyone recommend a good wheel builder near Portsmouth?

**LordStig** · #1 22 Oct 2003

After my last off-road foray I have a number of loose and bent spokes on my rear wheel. After reading various threads on the HUBB I've decided to get the whole wheel rebuilt with new (prefereably heavy duty) spokes. Of the few bike shops I've spoken to, none seems particularly keen to get involved. Can anyone recommend a wheel builder, preferably in the Portsmouth area? Also, I had a TDR wheel rebuilt back in 1994, and it cost me 70 GBP - how much is it likely to cost nine years later?!?

Thanks,

Stig

**martync** · #2 22 Oct 2003

There is a chap near salisbury who does them, I don't know the number but if you contact the southern TRF, I'm sure someone will point you in the right direction

sorry can't be more help

**LordStig** · #3 30 Oct 2003

Thanks for the info - I should be able to find this chap fairly easily!

Stig

**LordStig** · #4 2 Dec 2003

Just as an update, I got the wheel rebuilt in Portsmouth by a chap called Ray Halfacre. He did a fantastic job and, although he isn't as cheap as Brickwood near Salisbury, I'm over the moon with what he did. He even managed to free off a bearing that had been fitted over tight by another mechanic (not me!!). He used thicker heavy duty spokes (hand bent) and wider nipples (requiring the rim to be drilled to take them), with 3 mm butyl rim tape. He's 81 and has been building wheels since his late teens/early twenties, so what he doesn't know about the trade probably isn't worth knowing. I was therefore pleased that he liked the quality and design of the Honda wheel! He can be reached on (023) 9266 4038 if you need him, but he usually is very busy.

Stig

**POB/London** · #5 3 Dec 2003

What did he charge you?

**Grant Johnson** · #6 3 Dec 2003

LordStig,

How'd you like to post the info in Repair shops section? including cost, address etc if possible...

Thanks!

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**LordStig** · #7 3 Dec 2003

I have now posted the details in the repair shop section.

The cost was 116 GBP, which was quite a lot higher than Brickwood quoted - 51 GBP plus VAT (~60 GBP). However, I have total trust in the job - he really did give the wheel a thorough going over. After what I paid in 1994 I expected a cost close to 100 GBP anyway. I should mention that Ray is disabled; the nature of his disability will be obvious to you if you ever meet him! A very nice chap.

Stig