I don't know if you want other recommendations, but I have a set of wheels made with Mavic A319 rims, 36 DT double-butted spokes, and Shimano XT hubs. The wheelset cost $180 and it's about as "bombproof" as they come. For tires/tubes, I use generic tubes and Schwalbe Marathon tires (I have several sets of Marathons, but my favorites are Racers and Supremes for commuting, and XR/Mondial for my "go anywhere" tires).