Wheel sets
 

I have a Specialized Crave 29er. Id like to have a separate wheel set to interchange with the originals that came with the bike for different terrains.

Are wheel sets interchangable? Or how can I tell which are compatable with my hardtail?

Wheel sets are kinda-sorta interchangeable - if you buy the right kind.
You need:
- disc brake wheels, preferably with the same size rotor and type of mount. There’s a choice of centerlock and 6-bolt
- while not strictly required, it’s easier to stick to the same rim diameter.
- the axle type/dropout width needs to match. A quick search on your bike indicated traditional quick-release hubs. (10x135 mm rear, 9x100 front) but you need to check yours. There are a couple of different thru-axle designs available these days.
- you’ll probably want a cassette for the rear wheel. Number of speeds to match, and biggest sprocket not to be any bigger.

How fast do you want your wheel changes?
It’s common for brake rotors not to line up quite right.
Your options are:
- reset calipers at each wheel change
- live with a slight brake drag
- shim rotors to match

It’s also common for cassettes not to line up perfectly. If you have a handy barrel adjuster you can use that to tune the shifting at wheel changes. Or you can shim the cassettes to match.

How often do you plan to swap?
Chains and cassettes wear together. If one wheelset gets a lot more use you may soon find that the chain starts to skip/slip on the lesser used one.
Options here is either to move the cassette between the wheels, or keep a separate chain for each wheelset. And to use quicklinks.

You are wonderfully kind to research for me, I being a novice where "a little knowledge can be dangerous."

I am thinking of keeping the back tire the same regardless of trail or pavement. I purchased Maxxis Minion for the front to use when I am on trails and want a rim for that. The original tires that came with the bike wear like iron on the pavement and remain in goodish shape after 3 years of mixed use. The front wheel changes in a flash, the back not so fast (for me, that is).

Would these work on my Specialized 29 Crave?

Found on AMAZON $179.00

Mavic Rim 29er Mountain Bike Wheels with Disc Brake Shimano Hubs PLUS Free Continental 29x2.2" Race King Tires and Tubes!