Originally Posted by
bbattle
Since you want comfort and you like the look of the Deep V's; go with the Velocity Chukker rims instead. 5mm wider, they'll provide a more comfortable ride and running a wider tire like a 700c x 32 will be a snap. Get some Formula hubs, stainless steel spokes by DT Swiss or Sapim. Have the wheels built in 3-cross pattern by a reputable builder and you're good to go. All the way to the liquor store to spend the rest of that $500 on beer.
http://www.velocityusa.com/default.asp?contentID=700
that's assuming his frame fits it. my bike barely clears a 25c
although i like my current wheelset (hplus to iro rear, deep v to shimano sante front), I built up a killer wheelset using formula low flange hubs to aeroheads. good cheap wheel. once the formula bearings break in they feel just as smooth as phils (if you don't believe it, you can put phil bearings in your formula hubs for pretty cheap). phils have nicer tooling and finish, but as far as ride goes, all sealed bearing hubs are pretty much the same.