I like Mavic rims, because of the history. However, Velocity makes some great rims. We have a Velocity Chukker 48h in 622 (700c) on our tandem, and its probably the strongest bicycle wheel ever built. Certainly the strongest that Peter White has ever used and he specializes in touring/tandem wheels. I have a 48h 27" Velocity Dyad on my vintage Cannondale now.

I prefer 630 (27") rims on my vintage Cannondales. There is nothing inherently "better" about the 622 (700c) size over 630 (27"). Its like the 650b resurgence. If you talked about going from 622 to 584 in that language instead of saying going from 700c to 650b, half the conversions wouldn't happen. For large frame sizes over 58cm, it makes no sense to downgrade the wheel set from 630 (27") to 622 (700c). I have big bikes and I hate how small the wheels look even with the 630s.

Back in the day most non-racing bikes were spec'd 36h in the front and 40h in the rear. While spokes have gotten much better rims were good back in the day already (Mavic Module and Super Champion). For a commuter hard on wheels you can't get more rim than a Velocity Chukker. However, I'd stick with 630 if that is what the bike originally fit.