haha...thanks for the yellowpages link ;P
I've recently seen a couple of wheelsets for about $200 or so on ebay and may likely buy one of those in due time, but since I am mainly asking questions for knowledge I guess what I want to know is this..
am I correct in thinking it's the HUB that dictates whether a wheel is disc brake compatible or not?
The other half of my question could still use clarifying...is there a certain characterstic of rim that makes it suitable for off roading as well and I guess the thickness of spoke is also important?
I may just do what you suggest though I will go to local bike co-op (we have this place called the Bike Church here in Santa Cruz) and see if they will help me build a wheelset myself. No substitute for knowledge, but I would still like to know what sort of rim to order.
thanks again for helping a noob.
cheers
Tony O