passeriformes

Hey hey. I'm looking for advice on a wheelset for a cyclocross/touring build. I'm building up a 42 cm Soma Doublecross frame, which I'll use in CX races, as a snowy winter commuter, and touring.

Questions
- Is it advisable to get 2 sets, one for cyclocross/harsh winter commuting and one for touring? My impression is that it's better to get one quality set instead of two crappier sets. Please weigh in.
- Brand recommendations?
- Spoke count recommendations?

Factors that may affect your recommendations:

- Weight - I'd prefer lighter than heavier, though, for all the carrying in the sand. I lose a lot of speed and energy at that part of the course (I know. The answer is to train harder.)
- Good value - This is generally more important to me than price (but I also don't want something crazy expensive.) I'm looking for a good value for the price, though affordability is definitely a factor. I'm willing to splurge if it'll last and stay true, though.
- Durability - I may not need as tough a wheelset because I am about 115 pounds.
- Toe overlap? - I've found most folks don't really pay attention to this (and tend to say, oh it's cool don't worry about it), unless they have this problem as someone who rides small frame. In which case, yes! It's annoying! Hard for crowded cornering on those bottlenecks, especially uphill. There might not be anything I can do about this because of the frame size, but I'd love to hear opinions if there is something I can do at this stage of the build.

Thanks for any advice you might be able to give.
- Passeriformes

Barrettscv 

I would build a wheel using Velocity A23 rims. The 23mm wide rim is stiff, strong and light. The added width will pair with either CX tires, winter tires or road tires. If you plan on touring, go with 32 spoke count. I'm 215 lbs and am using a handmade 32 spoke A23/Shimano 105 wheelset with no issues.

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

https://cgi.ebay.com/Velocity-A23-Cus...437#vi-content

Edit: BTW, these wheels are on a size 60 Soma Double Cross DC and the ride quality & handling with 700x25 tires is superb. I would not worry about toe overlap, the bike has a long wheelbase, reducing this problem.

passeriformes

Cool, thanks Barrettscv. I'd also appreciate it if other folks would tell me what wheels and tire size they use (do you like that setup? why or why not?), just so I can have a better idea of what's out there.

shovelhd

It depends on if you think it's practical to keep changing tires between cross/slush and touring. I don't. I have a set of cross wheels with cross tires. I use my road racing pit wheels with 700x25c's on them for CX road wheels.

bluenote157

Something to consider if you do go with two sets... purchase the same rim for both sets so that you don't have to readjust your cantis.

Cynikal 

It's tough to build a wheel for both racing and touring even at your weight. I would build a set for commute/touring that you want and will serve your needs then look for a cheap tubular setup for racing. They are out there (I actually have something for sale myself, PM for info). Older tubular wheel sets from 90's road racers can be had for cheap and work very well for CX.

The 105/Ultegra to A23's are a solid choice for a great and reasonable all around wheel set.