Need advice on new wheelset.

where are you? there are a few shops around van that will build your wheel for free if you buy everything through them. not sure what the price difference between crc and your lbs is for a hope hub, but it might be worth asking for a quote

That's a good idea boom I'll look into that for sure!

And I live in East Van.

They've already been mentioned here, but did you check these out?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ca/en/hope-hoops-tech-enduro-wheelset/rp-prod124946

I have one on the rear of one of my bikes and it is a very nice wheel!

And I live in East Van.

Dream cycles on the drive offers free builds with the purchase of all parts through their shop. And Darren is an excellent wheel builder.

Cheers boom, I'll definitely check them out!

hope hubs are amazing, as are ztr flow rims.

if you consider yourself to have a powerful pedal stroke, consider the stainless steel freehub body upgrade.

If CRC doesn't have your wheel, try Wiggle (another UK internet bike supplier). I've had good luck with them. If nothing else, buy the hub from one of them and get your LBS to provide the rim, spokes, and labour. LBS can't even begin to compete with CRC/Wiggle prices on Hope hubs.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ca/en/hope-pro-2-evo-rear-hub-142mm-x-12mm/rp-prod113661
or
http://www.wiggle.com/hope-pro2-evo-mtb-rear-hub-1/

Through CRC it was going to be 350 for a full rear wheel build and I figure at least 50$ customs charge. But a LBS gave me a pretty good deal for the same hub(hopePro2) and a flowex which I wanted and crc didn't have in stock for 440$ I figured it's worth spending a bit extra locally. Thanks for all the advice, can't wait to get my new wheel!

LBS can't always beat online pricing but if they can get close I tend to buy from them.