Originally Posted by BikeWonder

If you're sticking to vintage rims, Araya RM-20 rims are pretty much indestructible unless you wear them down completely from braking. They're a bit pricey as far as I know. For hubs, anything Deore or high end Suntour works, but if its early 80s, then it's likely to be Gyromaster or Suzue hubs.

If you're using the first gen XT Deer Head Gruppo, avoid the RD with the Superplate. There is no replacement for the metal jockey wheel.