I'm building my first wheel set for my Giant Toughroad. Main motivation is I want to try out all my new wheel tools and want to go tubeless (and the Giant rims my bike came with may or may not be tubeless, but don't want fuss). and i can re-use the giant wheels on a project bike. I also want to see how economical one can build a good wheel.

I realize the first wheel is not the best one ever and I try to stay economical. the Toughroad has 100/135mm QR. My weight is 190# (geared up inc. 3 l water, some food etc.). Riding will be pavements, unpaved paths and maybe some single track (but just to ride through, not actual action). We have big potholes. i have wand will keep using 2" tires (will get new official tubeless ones)

Hubs: i prefer cartridge bearing, but for brand names (forget about novatec) that would mean spending a lot. so i narrowed it down to shimano XT ($70 for both at CRC). they had some additional seals compared to lower end shimano hubs. That is the part I'm not 100% happy with, but really good cartridge bearing hubs seem to be close to $200 the pair (QR seems to fall out of favor anyway). If you have better suggestions, please.

Spokes: DT Swiss double-butted, 32 in each wheel. Not sure if 28 in front wheel would be good. about $1 from bike24 (if you are not logged in, prices show with Value added tax, which doesn't apply to US shipment). will use brass nipples.

Rims: I found DT Swiss to be cheap on bike24 (Mavic too, but they don't sell to US). They also all have eyelets. I determined my riding is mostly ASTM Class 2 (maybe 3 if i include potholes). for my 2" tires i need 20-25 mm. the X 392 are ASTM 2 and weigh 440 g at 20mm internal width. but the M442 may be better (ASTM 3, 22.5 mm and 50 g heavier). both are about $40.

This should get me to about $230 give or take (excluding tires)

I have all tools (dishing, tension meter, truing stand) and have trued (and corrected) some wheels with them. I read Zinn's Mountain Bike book (wheelbuilding section), read Mike T's and Sheldon's wheelbuilding sites. i also just bought Roger Musson's wheelbuilding book.

I know durable, cheap and light doesn't work, but if there is a way to optimize let me know. This won't be my last wheelset, and not my last bicycle. but still want it to be "good".