Originally Posted by
f4rrest
I'd be interested to hear more about what makes a wheel better for cross or rutted, rocky, steep fire roads.
I've just put 30mm kenda Kwicks on old, heavy 32 spoke Alex rims to ride my allez on the local fire roads in the hills, but I suspect they may not be ideal. Rim brakes too.
What should I look for in a better wheel for this type of riding?
You may not realize it but that's a bit of a loaded question....
Cyclocross is a specific discipline. It's strictly a form of racing that occurs during fall and winter and is an alternate for road. It's why it's on the road license for USA Cycling.
As such cyclocross by it's nature = racing. In that vein "Heavy Alex 32 spoke" clincher rims with rim brakes aren't going to be in the lineup. To race cross means to run tubulars. Period. Even high end tubeless is considered what you do if you can't afford to run tubular.
Outside of that it's not a cyclocross discussion. It's a "Gravel/Groad/Adventure/Mtb" discussion. Better wheel applications fall along those lines - 27.5 with larger tires to bring you back up to 29/700....disc brakes....etc. Tires wider than 33mm. Wider rim bases for better tire conforming and compliance. Follow the mtb guys.