always feel like I'm imposing on them.
I'd like to spend time with the builder, asking lots of questions
before, during, and after my wheels are built.

Hey, if you're paying what they're asking, its not imposing. Further,
most builders are proud to show off their work and explain what they
did.

may only need some new spokes put on my existing rims and hubs. I'll

buy the spokes online, and I don't want to feel guilty for bringing a
bunch of junk into the LBS and not having bought any of it there.

And an independent person would want to use *your junk*? The one
independent wheelbuilder I know only uses spokes HE has purchased, and
won't use stuff brought in from someone else. For example, what if you
happen to buy the wrong spoke or the stuff you brought truly is *junk*?
Do you expect anyone to use it?

I've had spotty results from LBS's.

OK, if you don't have a good LBS near you that's different. Then maybe
you should be asking for reference to a good wheelbuilding LBS or
independent in your area.

Online prices (for materials) are 50-60% cheaper.

Maybe. You might save a few dollars buying online, but you better know
what you need, e.g., spoke size.


I'd prefer someone who specializes in this.

Assuming you can find a good LBS who KNOWS how to build wheels in your
area, wouldn't that shop be a specialist? After all, that what he does!