I have been looking and riding road bikes for a few weeks because I am ridiculously obsessed with this whole cycling thing now. I am in no particular hurry to obtain one and so I look and ride new ones and search craigslist for something cheap to get started on. Having said that, I am contemplating getting a different wheel set for my 29er, which I love to ride. I have stated before that the majority of the riding I do on it is on pavement, but want the option of still doing trails. So I would like a little info on descent wheels and tires for say 100 to 130 miles a week. The least expensive the better. I am 245lbs now and slowly losing. I realize there are going to be multiple answers to these questions, but all opinions are welcome.

700c are the same as my 29ers? I think I still want a wider slick for the road.

If I get a wheel set I also am going to need a new cassette I would assume?

Is there a specific spoke count and/or pattern I should look for?

I assume I am going to have to learn how to true a wheel, is it rocket science?

I have goggled most of this so I am not completely clueless but you folks break it down a bit better IMO.

many thanks