you shouldn't ride a pista tire on the street.
try a conti sprinter or sprinter gatorskin. they ride ok, roll pretty good and are pretty damn durable...most shops they are gonna cost you $50 though i would guess.
you can find them for about $40 online...

the vittoria evo corsa cx are real nice riding tires too.

if i were you i would keep the wheelset you have tubular and just build a cheap clincher wheelset...but whatever.

sapim double butted or DT swiss competition spokes are good.