In your area you shoudl be able to find a bike coop or something to get cheap used stuff if you want to keep your bike on the road. There are new options out there like the Marin Muirwoods, but keeping your bike rolling along might be cheaper and more satifying. I agree those Vuelta Aerolite wheels seem like a heck of a value. I bought a set a few months ago, but haven't put them on the mountain bike yet. I still have not read a bad review about them.