I have a set of Velocity Synergy rims w/Phil hubs that [Rich at] Rivendell built up for my Atlantis that I got in May [2005]. I've ridden over 1,000 miles on them: commuting, training, touring; raced a century (didn't come in last), raced a 6-race cyclocross series last fall, put studs on 'em and rode all late fall/early winter. I just got back from 2 weeks in Maui where I rode to Hana, Kula, Paia, Haiku, etc. They 'might' need a little, tiny tune up in the truing stand -- but then . . . I'd have to take 'em off my bike!

Given that it may seem somewhat indelicate to use superlatives when referring to another Grizzly Peak Cyclists member as this may cause some embarassment to the affected party, allow me to state unequivocally that our very own Rich Lesnik is the best wheel builder I have ever come across, and scores of builders -- including yours truly -- have built wheels for me, including [name deleted]. Two years ago [Rich] built me what was to be the first of many wheels using a 32 hole rear hub and I suspected that I would have problems with it [as I'm] a bigger, heavier rider for whom no one else has ever built a 32 hole wheel that has lasted for any length of time at all. Rich's secret? Higher tension -- up to 135kg/N -- than most other wheel builders are capable of doing or even have the skill now to do given that old fashioned wheel building is largely a dying art. Aero wheels have seen to this but I still feel that a well built set of wheels are without compare in terms of durability for a bigger rider over 180 lbs. As of this writing, I now have some 12,000 miles on the wheel he built for me and it is still perfect and has never had to be trued or tensioned. [update: 30,000 mi and counting!]