Originally Posted by
bassjones
Velocity rims are well built for clydesdales. If you want to spend the $$$$$$, White Industries hubs are terrific! But they'll push a wheel build into the $750 range. With 105s you can be done for around $300.
Don't bother with the 105s, those are horrible and won't last. I also wouldn't recommend White Industries hubs either. If you want something that's going to last forever and that you can use now and in the future if you decide to get into touring go with a Phil Wood 40h or 48h and a Velocity Chukkar rim. I run a 48h Phil Wood - Velocity Chukkar rear (~$700) and other than the MSW getting too thin after 6,000+ miles I haven't had a single problem with it. ZERO broken spokes and ZERO truing issues and I've ridden that thing at a high of 420lbs and at a low of 360lbs over everything from smooth pavement to snow and ice to gravel and even on dirt. You don't need a beefed up front wheel (I run the stock 32h on my road bike) but a seriously strong rear wheel will last you forever.
Buy it right the first time so you don't have to buy it again.