The ksyriums will hold up under those circumstances...but what kind of condition are they in now? I'm leery of used wheels becuase it is hard to tell what condition they are in.

Is your friend a racer? I'm thinking he is since he is buying SSCs. How big is he? has your friend had to have them trued any (meaning: was he hard on them?) Last, how many miles are on them?

If the wheels are in condition, then I would buy them. The reason the LBS said that you should have 32 spokes is that if you are going to be touring, you will want heavier duty wheels then the ksyriums. since you are not going on loaded toours and just riding around, I think the ksyriums would be great. go for it. thats a great price if the wheels are in good condition.