Commuting - wheels for MTB road/commuter?

Hi all, I want to convert (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=93428) an MTB for road use and possibly light touring and commuting. I've read here that I should look for 36 spoke wheels. What other features are important? I want to use 1.5 (and maybe a 1.25 later) slicks at about 90psi. Could you recommend some specific models to look at? Thanks!

P.S. it's a second hand mtb, so it came without wheels :)

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=126&subcategory=1200&brand=&sku=11248&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

You really can't go wrong with a set of RhynoLites and Shimano Deore or LX hubs.

Better hubs $10 more http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/13297-365_SHILB4-3-Parts-75-Wheelsets/Shimano-LX-Wheelset--w_-Sun-Rhyno-Lite-Rims.htm
These are a wider rim so I really wouldn't recommend going lower than a 1.5" inch on them. You'd risk pinch flats and rim damage.

This WTB Speed XC and Mavic F519 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=58087&item=7142747862&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW) should make for a nice strong setup.

Cool. Thanks for the recommendations guys. How narrow should a MTB rim be in order to accept a 1.25" tire, is 22mm ok?

I have a set of 32 spoke Mavic 221's on Deore LX hubs, on my commuter MTB and they have been plenty strong. I have no doubts about using them for touring and anything I can throw at them. And I'm NOT a light guy. 325lbs at last check. You should be OK with a good double wall 32 or 36 spoke setup. Whats been suggested should be fine. As for 22mm wide wheels with 1.25" tires.... I hope it works. I just ordered 1.25's for mine!

Better hubs $10 more http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/13297-365_SHILB4-3-Parts-75-Wheelsets/Shimano-LX-Wheelset--w_-Sun-Rhyno-Lite-Rims.htm


Yeah, those were a deal, picked up a set last year. Only problem was the dorks managed to send me one drilled schrader, one presta.

Cool. Thanks for the recommendations guys. How narrow should a MTB rim be in order to accept a 1.25" tire, is 22mm ok?
22mm internal measurement? No.
Yeah, those were a deal, picked up a set last year. Only problem was the dorks managed to send me one drilled schrader, one presta.
Easy to fix either way. Grommet or ream.

I think my 0 Degree XCs are 18mm internally and I run 1.25" tires. I will say however, I'm not sure if it's because of the tire or the wheel, but I have to use Performance Bike's 1.1" - 1.4" tubes because 1.25" - 1.5" tubes were too big, I couldn't get the tire on.

I have had great luck and a wonderful ride with the 36-hole, Deore hubbed, Synergy wheels on my Atlantis. Using Panaracer Pasela 700x37 Tour Gards....no flats and a very smooth ride.

I have had great luck and a wonderful ride with the 36-hole, Deore hubbed, Synergy wheels on my Atlantis. Using Panaracer Pasela 700x37 Tour Gards....no flats and a very smooth ride.


Ummm....he's looking for 26" wheel options.

I got this Velocity wheel at Nashbar (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=8776&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=) last December and have been very pleased with it. For tires I have been using some IRC Metros (26 x 1.5). I like the Metros, but got the Kevlar belted ones for my son's bike.