Commuting - Wheelset for commuting

I've commuted several times on my 2200 roadbike, but I want to get more serious and start commuting on my MTB.

So what I was thinking of was getting a wheelset with some slicks that I can change out really quickly. My problem is that most of the wheelsets that I see are way out of my price range. I mean the bike was less than $500 why should I spend $300 just for an extra wheelset.

So my question is there a place I can find something inexpensive but still durable that I could setup for commuting, then I could swap out my MTB wheelset for off road and such?

What kind of price are we talking about here? I wouldn't think it would cost much more than $100 for a wheelset, slicks, and a rear cassette.

I would check Nashbar for the wheelset. They probably have something.

There are at least two other less expensive options that come to mind though.

You could find a cheap used MTB, or a kid's bike from a sporting goods store with reasonably true alloy wheels and buy the bike just for the wheels.

You could get tires that have knobbies only on the edges of the tire and are slick in the middle.

Dan

I don't know if I want to go the Kmart bike route, sounds like those wouldn't last.

$100 seems a little tight - you're starting ground is really Mavic X221's on Deore hubs, Deore level Cassette, Slicks/semi-slicks of your choice.

Originally posted by Richard D
$100 seems a little tight - you're starting ground is really Mavic X221's on Deore hubs, Deore level Cassette, Slicks/semi-slicks of your choice.

Hey I scoped those on Nashbar along with the SRAM cassette, and some slicks. Total came to $139. I can handle that.

Thanks a bunch.

Good, strong commuter wheels are more about the quality of build than fancy components. If you want lightweight that is a different matter. My local bike shop built up some Altus hubs onto mid-range rims using proper DT spokes. He built them the same as he would a high-end racing pair, pre-stresses and everything, but they were pretty cheap.

Hey I scoped those on Nashbar along with the SRAM cassette, and some slicks. Total came to $139. I can handle that.

Thanks a bunch.
Check www.pricepoint.com first they usually have even better prices

Take a look at these.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3630467306&category=36143

You would still need a cassette. I have purchased two sets.

I built up a pair of wheels last year for my updated 3-speed: a 36-spoke NOS Shimano 600/Sun CR18 front, and a 40-spoke Sturmey 3-speed/Sun CR18 rear. With Conti Top Touring 2000s (700c x 32), I have NO worries about durability, even on the nasty streets in the Boston area.

The least expensive MTB wheelset is probably Weinman 519s with Alivio hubs for under $100.

On my Kona, I've had excellent results using 519s with a Continental 2.0 knobie on the rear wheel (for extra traction and stability) and a 1.5 nylon slick ($8) on the front. The nylon has over a 1000 miles on it with no flats!

My C'dale is set up the same way, but with better rims for touring.

Regards.