I was looking for a new wheelset for my fixed gear, just a slight upgrade from stock. I seemed to…read morebe breaking spokes too often, and the lock nuts on the hubs were very specific in their adjustment. Plus, I figured it wouldn't be hard to shave a few grams off the weight.
I saw velomine.com mentioned on some forums, so I decided to pay the website a visit. Based on the testimonies, I got the vibe that it was a small shop, providing a level of personal attention to craftsmanship and customer service.
The website is simple -- just like you may expect from a mom-and-pop brick-and-mortar. But, it's secure, and it does the trick. The selection isn't as extensive as, say, a Performance Bicycle. But I quickly realized that I wasn't just browsing a list of wheelsets that came out of a factory; in line with the statements that had directed me to the site in the first place, these are actually hubs laced to wheels -- and that allows a whole new level of choice and quality.
While I drooled over some of the options -- Mavic, Phil Wood, Miche -- this is my commuter fixed gear, a Fuji Track. I ride several thousand miles a year, whether for fun or transport, and that involves locking it up outside in the elements or amongst thieves, dropping off a curb from sidewalk to street to take a gap in traffic, and mashing on streets with many a dip and bump. It's a perfectly decent steelie, so I want a perfectly decent wheelset.
I found it: Origin8 hubs, Weinmann rims. Simple, not flashy, great price point. I took a look at the dimensions to confirm compatibility (made easy by the detailed specifications listed for every product), then pulled the trigger.
The shipment arrived in the expected amount of time. It was packed with an appropriate amount of protection and care. Tape, tubes, tires, cog, lockring...then on my bike they went.
That was well over 1,000 miles ago. Scores of drops from curbs. Scores of surprise dips hit so hard they rattle ones teeth. Ridden by someone about 190 pounds.
These wheels were perfectly true and spun beautifully out of the box. Even after the use described above, they're still running great. No broken spokes. No suspicion that one is right around the corner. Barely out of true. And that tells me that Velo Mine is indeed a source for high quality components, architected with an attention to detail.
Thank you, Velo Mine, for being a source of wheels that I can put my trust in. While the wheelset I purchased may be for my commuter, as someone who loves fixed gear bikes and "fixie points", I can guarantee that I'll be checking you folks out when it comes out to making my next bike roll. And, if I'm ever in the area, I'll make the shop a destination!
