Interesting, so it sounds like a balance between speed and strength. I'd really like to keep weight down as I really love riding swift and I do at least 50 miles in a day every week or so... I have "touring" wheels at the moment, lower end stuff I'm not sure spoke count but they are plenty.

The rear wheel was just fixed and its nice and true now - but I'd really like something I can put more confidence into.

The 700c wheel swap sounds intiguing - I do definitely have brake clearance. "You will need to ensure that the axle length and OLD (over locknut distance) of any new wheel you purchase is compatible, or can be made compatible, with your existing setup (which is governed by the freewheel width, and chainstay width)."

Perhaps if I was to get a lightweight set to appease my needs when I'm in more of a "racer" mode and dont need to carry stuff... perhaps there is a 700c wheel that is stronger? Isnt the slightly smaller wheel going to be inherently stronger?