jryan

I'm looking for a sub $250 wheelset for commuting/light touring. I'm 6'5"~ish 215 - 220 lbs and am looking for something that will handle my weight as well as some loaded (maybe 40 lbs) rear panniers.

I have a Bianchi Volpe with Tiagra Hubs laced to WTB CX23 rims (Stock Wheelset). I'm currently running 700x38 armadillos @ 80 - 100 psi. I've never had any trouble with the tiagra hubs, but have always struggled to keep the rear rim true and the spoke tension right.

I can have UniversalCycles build the following set for about $183 -- shipped to my door for under $250:

- Rims: Alex Adventurer, 36h
- Hubs: Shimano Tiagra
- Spokes: DT Swiss Champion
- Nips: DT Swiss, Brass

OR I can get the following from Bicycle Wheel Warehouse for $229:

- Rims: Mavic A319, 36h
- Hubs: Shimano 105
- Spokes: DT Swiss Champion
- Nips: DT Swiss Brass

Some questions:

- Is it worth the $ to upgrade from Tiagra to 105 hubs?
- Is it worth the $ to upgrade from champion to competition spokes?
- Are the DT Swiss Brass Nipples good enough?

Any thoughts, suggestions, opinions and/or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ryan