So I have replaced the back wheel on both my bikes this year. I am glad I hadn't spent on a lot of other bike related items this year as in years past, so not too much scorn from the wife. I had a wheel built for me for the touring bike, Salsa Delgado 29'er rim to XT centerlock disc hub with DT 14 ga spokes, all black. The back triangle on the Kona is black, the old wheel was silver, the new wheel makes the bike look kinda NASCAR'ish. The road wheel is a Quality Wheelhouse built Mavic Open Pro to Ultegra hub with DT spokes. The LBS checked it over when it came in and gave their "seal of approval." Both are 36 spoke 3 cross lacing. Hope I can get more than 2 years out of them. They both seem to have good reviews, so I'll find out.