Originally Posted by
mdilthey
I'm sorry, I hate to be "that guy," but what's wrong with the current wheelset? Great spoke count for touring, great hubs, great rims... Seems fine.
Shimano hubs are great, but not the lightest option. And the Mavic Open Pro is maybe the most over-rated rim in history. That plus 32 and 36 spokes makes for a pretty porky wheel set, fine for loaded touring but I think nun is usually running pretty light and could easily get away with something less overbuilt.
Originally Posted by
hueyhoolihan
it's obvious the OP wants lighter wheels than he has. so....
kinlin xr270 rims (20h front, 24h rear), sapim race spokes, alloy nipples, novatech hubs.
the V profile of the rims will compensate, IMO, for the lesser spoke count.
anyway, it's not as if parts aren't readily available while touring. i recently had to catch a ride due to the fact i exhausted my supply of extra tubes. it wasn't the end of the world. it didn't stop the tour. in fact, i enjoyed the challenge and probably made the tour more memorable.
I endorse these recommendations. The only change I would suggest is perhaps going to 24 spokes front, 28 rear.