Originally Posted by
Gummomarx
My rear wheel has died on the doctor's table and I need your extensive knowledge to help me to avoid making the same rubbish purchase again.
I need recommendations/advice on a wheelset that will survive 15-40 miles per trip involving, as a nature-landscape-loving amateur photographer, cycling over filthy and rough country lanes as part of many of these gallivants. I know such wheels may not have been invented yet, so I'm looking for the least worst option.
Ideally, I'd like the best fit for my Schwalbe Marathon Greenguard 700-32c tyes and Shimano Tiagra HG500 10 Speed Cassette Silver 11-34. Price limit is probably £150 (Ireland/UK) - it may be low but there's likely to be a high casualty rate because of the places I go to and I'd rather not spend my trips worrying about my expensive wheels.
So you are having issues and don't want to have issues and don't want "the same rubbish purchase again" but your budget is low and want to keep it low because you have problems often which is likely causing the issues?
In the end go down to your local shop and see what they have for what you need. Not knowing what sort of axle you need it will be tough to give you a solid recommendation but a wheelset for $150 (or pounds or whatever) is going to get you more of the same. If you want a good reliable wheelset get something that is hand built with good parts and realize yes it will cost more initially but will hold up better. Ideally find something that is 32-36h and a combination that works well together (a lightweight rim with heavier triple butted spokes will not hold up as well as a stout rim with those spokes) Your local shop can likely make some recommendations on either a wheel builder or if they do it in house what parts they would recommend for your riding. If you are looking for a pre-built wheelset look to spend probably 300-500 but know it won't necessarily be as stout. Get a good wheelset and you don't have to worry, try to save a little money initially and you will have more to worry about.
If theft is a concern they make all manner of wheel locks and axles and what not that will prevent people from taking your wheels easily.