Haha, the set that I am picking up is a powertap rear with a DT Swiss 240 front. I will also be using Conti tires. Weird.
I don't really notice eqiupment changes on my bike either, unless it's something dramatic. I'm hoping that running a 23mm wide rim will have a perceivable difference on the ride quality of the wheels.
Also, I hope that your tire mounting issues is a specific rim/tire combo that won't apply to me
