Originally Posted by gotcha640

Thanks for all the replies, especially the confirmation of the brake choice and pad suggestion. I also like the home made drops on Harris.

My reason for wanting aluminum 700s is that

since I'm in Houston and it's hurricane season, I'd like the improved wet stopping of aluminum rims (unless I've been misinformed) and

I'd like 700 so they'll be compatible with newer bikes (my wife is about to buy a new road bike, and I'd really like to allow her to just swap wheels and keep going if she gets a flat/tacos a wheel) and

so I can run fenders (see the hurricane note).

I have a 9 speed cassette at home that I'll try out tonight to check spacing on my current hub. I realize the current chain will probably not work.