auchencrow - since the European market received 700C wheels - 27 inch being installed on bikes for North America I should look for a pair of 700Cs with some higher quality Normandy hubs - or Spidel - something similar to the ones on there. I know a good set of light wheels/ quality hubs makes a difference although this bike will only be ridden occasionally so unless I find a good deal one day I am not in a hurry. I have not ridden it yet either so I guess I will find out if I can live with them. I might try a pair that are on my brother's Nishiki though, it has 32mm Panaracer Paselas on it and a campy rear hub/ Mavic rim with a front Miche hub/Ambrosio rim.