Handbuilt MTB wheels - recommendations please

[Wooderson]

Who's lacing up the best handbuilt wheels these days? I've previously used Merlin and Stif, but that was well over five years ago and I'm sure the market has changed with some new internet based wheelbuilders.

Looking at a wheelset built using something like Hope Pro (20mm front axle) and some decent all-mountain rims - a light but strong build and a budget of around £300 max.

Who would you recommend?

[Wooderson]

I'd completely forgotten about the possibilties of running tubeless wheels, so I'm intrigued by the ZTR/Hope combo. 70 odd quid for a rim alone sounds pricey (the Flow rim), but I'll see what Hope and Merlin can quote me for a complete wheelset.

Thanks for your suggestions chaps

[Wooderson]

Cheers snotrag

I like what I've read about ZTR hoops so far and I've just come across this guy www.wheelpro.co.uk

O.K so they're still Hope factory built wheels, but his price includes Stans yellow tape and sealant and have been given the once-over by him before dispatch.

His wheel building book is a tempting self-stocking filler too.