The price is right?

[guest7]

I dropped my GB front wheel off to Llandow Classics to have it respoked. They seem a good bunch there and that's why I chose to use them (my entire working life is based on only dealing with people who talk to you properly - that's why the despicable sods at Whitchurch Building Supplies (400 yards from my house) haven't seen a penny of my business money for two years).

Anyway, back to the wheel, I opted for new galv spokes and having the hub painted, estimated cost £100 (but possibly less if it goes well). Does that seem reasonable?

The reason for getting it built is simple. Having failed to sell my GB500 at an insanely cheap price I am going to do the small amount of work it requires myself and sell it for at least £400 more than I was asking. As the USP of the GB seems to be its spoked wheels then these are the most important part of the rebuild.

When I eventually located Llandow Classics on one of those stupidly convoluted business parks, i was surprised to see some of the other businesses nearby. Across the road is a place specialising in Mini Mokes and across the way is a place that restores old VW camper vans. L C itself was chock-full of interesting classics for sale, including complete barn-find Bullet and Douglas Draganfly. They stock Enfields and it was quite amusing having the full spiel about the advantages of a big single   But to be fair, the bloke was very pleasant and as far removed from a patronising bike salesman as you can imagine.

GC

[Mark]

I've been meaning to call around there to see their set up.

The price isn't bad in comparison to central wheels with an obvious saving on postage cost.

What is their turn around time for wheel building?

Cenral Wheels prices http://www.central-wheel.co.uk/price_lists/cwc_retail_price_list_1.pdf

[guest7]

He reckoned my wheel could be ready by the end of the week. He made me laugh, he said he had a whole batch of wheels ready for collection. Each of those customers had been pretty busy ringing him up to see when they would be finished, but had been remarkably silent when it came time to collect (and pay). 

He buys his stuff in from Central Wheels (amongst other suppliers) so the quality is the same and, as I have found in the past, it's much easier nagging a local wheel builder when they've cocked up the offset or suchlike.

I'd say LC are well worth a visit if you're over this way. And they've got a coffee machine. 

GC

[Mark]

Good to know of a wheel builder in the area, as you say its easier to deal with people face to face if there is a problem, and always good to give business locally and to the smaller man.

I've been at a loss since Richards Bros stopped doing bike wheels and my local guy broke his neck.

That said, I got a friend/aquaintance who has started building wheels in Llanwrda between Llandeilo/Llandovery, Paul Henshaw, he's got a small bike business and he gets his wheel building parts from central wheels.

[Richard]

Mark,

Why don't you post your mates details in the Services section as I for one am after a respoke on the front of the Beemer at some stage, and he sounds pretty close to me.  My other alternative is SRM in Aberystwyth.

RIchard

[Mark]

Ok, I've had a couple of enquiries so I'll list his details as soon as I know they are the correct ones by him.

Mark

[themoudie]

Aye GC,

Henchy (Ian) of BHRC rides 'em, brother Paul builds 'em.

Real Classic article

Should be sound. 

Regards, Bill.

[Mark]

Aye GC,

Henchy (Ian) of BHRC rides 'em, brother Paul builds 'em.

Real Classic article

Should be sound. 

Regards, Bill.

Yep, he's a good on the Enfields, not the most popular of bike to race but Paul can't half get them to go, very competetive along with Ians' riding. 250, 350 and 500.

Bill, do you know them?

Mark.

[robG]

I dropped my GB front wheel off to Llandow Classics to have it respoked. They seem a good bunch there and that's why I chose to use them (my entire working life is based on only dealing with people who talk to you properly -
GC

If you recall Gc we spoke { no pun intended } about this a while ago.
My initial experience with Llandow was almost identical to yourself.
However,the wheels took a lot longer than they said and in the end I rang Central Wheels to find out where my spokes were.
I won't use them again. I prefer Gerrard in Bettws{ see recomended services }. He's closer , quicker as he keeps the spokes in stock and almost half the price for what you are having done.

Don't say I didn't tell you.........

Rob.

[themoudie]

Aye GC,

Henchy (Ian) of BHRC rides 'em, brother Paul builds 'em.

Real Classic article

Should be sound. 

Regards, Bill.

Yep, he's a good on the Enfields, not the most popular of bike to race but Paul can't half get them to go, very competetive along with Ians' riding. 250, 350 and 500.

Bill, do you know them?

Mark.

Aye Mark,

Not personally. Nod in the passing in the paddock and enjoy their antics on the Enfields. I try to support those who race, but I'm aware they are 'racers' and, well they're 'racers'! Y' Ken?

The season hasn't started yet, so GC may get a quicker turn around than Rob.

Let us know how it all goes GC.

My regards, Bill.

[guest7]

Yep, will keep you all posted. As I said I based the entire transaction on how they spoke to me (no pun intended). I liked the feedback so I went with them. I'm sure the other fella is as good if not better, but I just thought I'd try out LC, not having dealt with them before.

GC