East Meets West: Building a Lynskey with (mostly) Chinese Components

[User_Name_Is_Taken]

I recently picked up a 2023 Lynskey R500 frame because titanium>everything else. I didn't "need" another Ti bike, nor did I have enough parts around to build it up. I wanted to use new parts for the build, but I also don't have unlimited budget, so Chinese components seemed to make sense. Also, I wanted to try electronic shifting as all my other bikes are mechanical. Here's the build plan:

WheelTop EDS TX ordered from manufacturer, delivered in 6 days
RIRO ACF 52-36 crankset, leftover from a previous build
Shimano CS-8101 11-34 12 speed cassette, leftover from a previous build
Toseek TSP-C25 20mm offset seatpost off Ali Express
Toseek TR5500 integrated carbon bars, leftover from a previous build
Ti bottle cages, anodized blue, off Ali Express
Ryet SD-RT03-3D saddle off Ali Express
Meroca 160mm brake discs, blue, off Ali Express
Continental GP5000 700x32 clincher tires
Bontrager Aeolis Elite wheels (temporarily robbed from another bike until I can budget for SuperTeam or Elite Wheels)

My question is regarding wheels as I'm open to suggestions. Anything less than 1600g is fine. I'm a clydesdale so durabilty matters. Budget is hopefully $700 or less. Any suggestions for what to get or completely avoid?

[raisinberry777]

Any of the usual suspects should fit in that price range, the first that come to mind being:
- XM Carbon Speed
- Zen
- Tagoola
- Serenade

Ask them for a custom build that's whatever your desired depth, ~25mm inner width, 24f/24r Sapim CX-Ray spokes and nipples (strong, easy to find replacements for anywhere in the world), in-house ratchet hubs (preferably 36 tooth), HG freehub and they'll send you a price and lead time. For a 50mm wheel it should be around 1400g.

[jes2k13]

Got myself a few months back CSC gravel wheelset 32 internal and 40mm wide external rims weighing only around 1300-1400gms for 45mm depth wheel. Around 380-400usd. If your frame can support the width. Best purchase ever for me, placed some zipp 303 decals afterwards and it looks damn pretty LOL. I got the wheels from Aliexpress. Am a happy camper

[bichler.bua]

Take a look at Tagoola or Serenade and you will end up with a decent wheel set for your lovely build

[BeR]

Tagoola for me.

[amacal1]

Are you me? Well, at least the alternate version of me that almost picked up a Lynskey when they had their ridiculous eBay sale and then built it with all Chinese components?

I ended up cheaping out and getting a Twitter frame for super cheap, but I was sooo close to getting a Lynskey.

[User_Name_Is_Taken]

You should have bought the Lynskey. This will be the 3rd one in my collection. I also have a 2014 R255 and a 2020 Helix Pro Disc. There's nothing quite like the feel of titanium.

Are you me? Well, at least the alternate version of me that almost picked up a Lynskey when they had their ridiculous eBay sale and then built it with all Chinese components?

I ended up cheaping out and getting a Twitter frame for super cheap, but I was sooo close to getting a Lynskey.