I build a lot of wheels for commuters and tourists and like 26 inch wheels because they are just that much stronger than 700c wheels.

Shimano makes good hubs... LX and XT level hubs are extremely nice, are very robust, and won't break the bank.

I like Mavic rims... the XM317, XM517, and XM719 are great for 26 inch wheels and for 700c wheels the A319 and A719 are what most people choose for rims depending on budget.

I had a nice stock of old Sun Rhynolites that got built up into some really nice wheels... these are ridiculously strong rims and I use them for intense mountain biking... touring is actually much easier on these wheels and they are very popular with commuters.

For about $160.00 you can get a very decent hand built rear wheel (without cassette) and a front wheel will cost a little less due to a lower cost for the hub.

Cost is based on parts plus $30.00 (average cost) for the build... higher spoke wheels(36 plus) cost more to have built.

Off the shelf pre-built wheels can also serve you quite well but I would have a good wheelsmith check them to make sure they have been properly tensioned and de-stressed which should not add more than $20.00 to your final cost.