Cyclocross - How many wheelsets?

First, sorry to post a non-racing question. The (stock ACE-19) rims on my 2009 tricross sport are wearing out, and I'm considering getting 2, or possibly 3 wheelsets to replace them. I do a fair bit of commuting, touring, mtb (see video at bottom), and some road rides with friends.

It seems to me the needs are a bit different:
- touring: strong, not too heavy
- mtb: bombproof, no matter how heavy
- commuting (35km rt): whatever
- road rides: light! (I recently did a 350km ride over two days, borrowed some light wheels [1kg total saving], and was surprised at the difference)

I'm curious what other people do, if they have similar needs. I guess the obvious thing would be a strong set for mtb and touring, a light set for road rides, and commuting on whatever happens to be on either.

Opinions? Thoughts? Things I should think about? I don't have a clear idea of a budget yet - was pretty surprised to discover in the LBS recently that the bike I paid $1900 for in 2009 now retails for $1450, thanks to strong Australian dollar, and I think some downgrading of components. (And mildly pissed off to discover there's now a Spec. Crux with disks...)

Bonus video:

http://vimeo.com/30666614

So here's a non-racing answer:

I have a Neuvation wheeset on my Tricross, weighting about 1500 grams (plus rubber of course). I also have a ready swapable DC-19 wheelset for rough stuff and loaded riding, but they feel like boat anchors after the Neuvations...I always leave them hanging in the garage.

I've thought about this myself, and it seems that three wheelsets would be ideal (road, offroad, touring/commuting), but two sounds OK if you don't need the touring tires very often and can swap with the offroad wheels. The only problem with that plan is commuting: you can use a lightweight road wheelset, but it's a greater theft risk, you might be loading it with more stuff than works well, and you can potentially put unnecessary wear on nice road racing tires.

My current collection;

Velocity A23/Shimano 105, 32 spoke, 12-27 ten speed cassette, 700x32 Vittoria Randonneur Hyper. This set is for bad urban pavement and dry gravel.

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/001-3.jpg

Velocity Dyad/Formula touring, 40 spoke, 12-30 ten speed cassette, 700x38 Schwalbe Marathon Cyclocross. This set is for singletrack, wet gravel and winter conditions.

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/007-1.jpg

Velocity A23/Shimano 105, 32 spoke, 11-23 ten speed cassette, 700x24 Conti Grand Prix

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/CG2003-2.jpg

I'll share this wheelset between my road bike & CX bike.

I'm considering putting studded tires on this wheelset during Jan-Feb-March.

Wow, photos and everything - thanks! Some info I should add: my tyre collection is: 32mm Vittoria Randonneur Cross, Maxxis Locusts (might have the name wrong - 35mm knobbly), 23mm Rubino Pros. Gears are 26/36/48 front, 12-26 rear; would obviously get something roadier with a road wheelset.

Theft risk isn't much of an issue: I vary rarely park outside. (I have the luxury of parking in my office).

Wow, photos and everything - thanks! Some info I should add: my tyre collection is: 32mm Vittoria Randonneur Cross, Maxxis Locusts (might have the name wrong - 35mm knobbly), 23mm Rubino Pros. Gears are 26/36/48 front, 12-26 rear; would obviously get something roadier with a road wheelset.

Theft risk isn't much of an issue: I vary rarely park outside. (I have the luxury of parking in my office).

I would consider the Velocity A23 rim for average roads and smooth gravel. It's 23 mm wide but is designed for 700x23mm wide road tires. It will also take a 700x35 tire. These are light-but-strong rims but not intended of trails or loaded touring. The Shimano road hubs, including Tiagra, 105 and Ultegra are very tough and durable. Velocity A23/Shimano 105 wheelsets being sold in the US for about $300.

http://www.velocityusa.com/default.asp?contentID=746

http://www.velocityusa.com/default.asp?contentID=749

The Velocity Dyad is 34mm wide and intended for mountain biking and loaded touring. They will take a wide range of touring and off-road tires from 700x28 to 700x50.

http://www.velocityusa.com/default.asp?contentID=584

http://www.velocityusa.com/default.asp?contentID=573

You could use your 700x32 or 700x35 tires with either rim.

If The correct number of bikes one should own is N+1, then it stands to reason that the # of wheelsets would be (N+1) x 3+1. I have 4 bikes and 10 wheelsets............ crap, gotta go check out ebay.



sorry for the lack of insight, advice, or wit: and the bad math.

many as you want
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Some benefit for CX racing for a sew-up wheel set, as punctures mean a 3 day process to fix and re glue,
maybe several pairs.
but as a commuter , maybe not . clinchers.. and just change tires as the whim comes up
for something different
Myself, loaded touring is on it's own purposed bike..



Aggressive MTB riding suits a fatter tire than works to fit the OP's frame.
its not a 29er..
so unpaved roads is a more reasonable use.

If The correct number of bikes one should own is N+1, then it stands to reason that the # of wheelsets would be (N+1) x 3+1. I have 4 bikes and 10 wheelsets............ crap, gotta go check out ebay.



sorry for the lack of insight, advice, or wit: and the bad math.

I think that's about right. :)

Lee