Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - New Bike - New Wheels too?

For the past 5 years I haven't done much cycling, but I recently decided to get back into it. In the past I enjoyed long distance solo rides (100+ miles). My plan is to get back in shape and resume long solo rides. Since my old Trek 2000 was less than inspiring, I decided to buy a new bike. I chose a Specialized Roubaix Elite triple. I think this should be a good bike for what I want to do. However, I am guessing that the stock wheels are probably the one thing that I would see the most benefit from upgrading.

Does anyone have any recommendations for new wheels?
- I don't ride with others, so I don't care about having a brand name to impress them.
- I am not handy, so I would prefer not to build anything myself.
- I don't race, so I am more concerned with comfort than speed (although I obviously don't want to drag around extra weight).
- I plan to ride long distances from home alone, so something durable is a must.
- I currently weigh around 190 lbs and would carry an extra 10 lbs of equipment/water.
- Based on the price of the bike $2200, I don't think it makes sense to spend more than $600.


Here is a pic for the heck of it.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c87/dascharisma/IMG_0134.jpg



Thanks,
Brad

You could save a little weight by upgrading the wheels, but you probably wouldn't notice the difference, especially at your body weight. (I'm over 200 right now, so don't think I'm trying to insult you:-)

In your shoes the only thing I would do is change tires to something slightly wider and higher quality. I would look into the 26mm Grand Bois "Cerf Blue Label" and 27mm Challenge "Parigi-Roubaix", though I'm not sure if the latter will fit, as they apparently measure closer to 28 or 29 mm.

Chances are these tires are at least as fast as the ones that came stock with your bike, and they will feel much nicer on the road.

HTH!

Kyserium Equipes rock! As do Easton EA90 SLX, both cost about 500 for a full wheelset. The Eastons are stiffer for climbing, the Kyseriums are workhorses and super durable and tough, and plenty light too.
If I wanted a long distance durable wheel I would probably roll on the Kyseriums.

I am a big believer in a shimano hub (105-dura-ace, all are very nice and durable) laced to a mavic open pro rim. I personally am running an open pro as are alot of people I ride with and it is a very solid but fairly light wheelset.

Personally I like to stick with traditional spoked wheels because they are alot easier to true and when you do need to find parts almost any shop will have them.

yeah there is a huge advantage at using gear that you can fix yourself if needed and can find parts when needed.
As a side note, there is a reason why in the US Army there is almost no piece of equipment that burns gas, everything is diesel and most parts use metric measurement, much the same reason I like gear that its fairly easy to find parts for.
Guy across the street has 1980's Fiat, beautiful car that he cannot find a certain part for and it just sits there, undriveable. Makes me want to cry

I'm green w/ envy. how about a set of Mavic Kyserium elites and use your old wheels as a back-up. Again ,man , nice bike.

I wouldn't bother ... until the black anodized spokes begin to break.

I don't see any reason to change the wheels, unless you're absolutely certain there's something wrong with them.

Go spend your money on some Assos. ;)