Touring - Budget 26" rims for a wheel build?

I'm looking to build a fairly non-standard set of wheels for an old frame of mine that I feel would make a decent light/weekend touring bike. This rig may see a long weekend of riding and maybe a few local rides a couple times through the year. I was hoping to get some feedback on selecting some rims that won't break the wallet.

The frame is an early 90s Schwinn High Plains lugged steel mountain frame. The biggest issue I've had is the 7 speed, 126mm rear spacing. I've tried jamming a 130mm hub in the dropouts and while it fits, it isn't the best solution. I don't like the idea of cold setting the frame to increase the spacing so I have relented to keep the frame near original and remain 7 speed. The next issue - there are no relatively modern 126mm spaced, off the shelf wheelsets at a decent price so I will be building my own from a mix of ebay and new parts. I already have the hubs (older Shimano 600EX that I overhauled), now I need to pick some rims.

I've been looking at the 26" Sun Rhyno Lites. They are not pretty and not light but cheap, able to take abuse and handle a heavier load. I see many recommendations for the Velocity Aeroheats but those are pushing $50/rim. I have found the Rhyno Lites as cheap as $27 new. Are there any other 26" rims that I should consider, either used or new?

Thanks for any input!

Get the rhynolites. If you want lighter Alex Adventurer are cheap but if you're aren't going to be using narrow tires <1.5" the rhinos are a very good deal.

Alex DH 22. But just looking for sales is probably cheaper, get some velocity.

zanq, My personal experiance with the Sun CR18 rim has been very positive.

Brad

I built up a set of 130 x 26" wheels with these: http://www.crosslakesales.com/p-2535-mavic-xm-317-disc-rim-26-mountain-bike-bicycle-new.aspx because, like you, I didn't want to cold set my frame. I think even with shipping it was $40 for the pair.


Edit: Whoops that's not them because the XM 317's I bought from those folks were for rim brakes not disc. Don't see those on their site anymore. In general, trying to find cheaper online doesn't end up saving much over the lbs because shipping on rims is quite a bear.

I have 26" velocity chukkers. http://www.velobabble.com/2011/10/wheel-barren.html Not cheap. I think I paid $60.00 each. What a bomb proof rim though. I have been thoroughly pleased. However these are on my main bike that I ride constantly. I put 5 to 6 thousand miles a year on them. I have had them for about a year. I have never had to do a thing to them and I ride them hard. They are still as true as the first day.

I think an extra $50 to $60 dollars would be worth the expense. I think other than a frame your wheel set is your next major component. I think spending extra money on really good quality rims is money well spent. That is just my opinion.

I had the Sun cr-18's on a cargo bike and they lasted till the rims wore out if you want something lighter than a rhyno lite. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1G80CZ2148&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-_-pla-_-NA-_-NA

might be good enough to get a built wheel on a freewheel hub ..
dish and recenter axle, shuffle spacers as needed..

for long tour reliability a Phil wood freewheel hub proved fine.. for decades..
but the hub is more than the TW/PRC usual ..

I used Rhyno Lites on my foldup bike. They work well. In my case I needed a smaller wheel size and that limited my choices.

On my 26 inch wheels for one of my touring bikes, I use Salsa Gordo. Very solid. I do not recall the price I paid, but I thought it was reasonable at the time.

In both cases, I did an internet search to find the best price.

I had the Sun cr-18's on a cargo bike and they lasted till the rims wore out if you want something lighter than a rhyno lite. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1G80CZ2148&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-_-pla-_-NA-_-NA

+1

Sun CR-18s are an excellent inexpensive rim. A little cheaper here:

http://www.ebikestop.com/sun_cr_18_26_x_1_38_36_hole_polished_rim_fits_ea_3590_iso-RM8494.php?PARTNER=GOOGPS

I have a Schwinn frame like yours. I have RhynoLite rims on it so it can be bullet proof in rough, off road conditions. For on road work, I like Velocity Aeroheat rims. They are much lighter and quite strong in their own right. At my weight, I also favor 40 spokes for added strength.

I have updated all my steel frames by opening them to 135mm, even my road bikes. I like the added strength of the more balanced 135mm hubs. I have no qualms about cold setting steel. Aluminum, no!

Sun Rhyno Lites......The favorite of wheelbenders the world over......Heavy/Strong/Eyelets/:)

It seems like with Rhyno lites, you have to have a minimum 1.75" tire right? Or is it even 2"? I thought I eliminated them from the pool when I was searching for rims because I typically use 32-38 mm tires.

Sun Rhyno Lites......The favorite of wheelbenders the world over......Heavy/Strong/Eyelets/:)

Heavy? Very!

It seems like with Rhyno lites, you have to have a minimum 1.75" tire right? Or is it even 2"? I thought I eliminated them from the pool when I was searching for rims because I typically use 32-38 mm tires.

Rhynolite is 27mm wide and a 26"x1.5" tire is 37mm wide so it's got a more rounded profile than a 25mm tire on a 20mm racing rim. I'd go with 1.5" as a practical minimum tire. For 32-38mm tires a 24-25mm rim would be nice.