Which wheelset?
 

215# rider. Rim break/QR. Tubeless curious.

1) Ultegra 6800 hubs, dt swiss 14/15 spokes, dt swiss r460 rims, alloy nipples = $412 shipped
2) Dt Swiss 350 hubs, dt swiss14/15 spokes, dt swiss r411 rims, brass nipples = $596 shipped
3) Velocity road hubs, dt swiss 14/15 spokes, velocity road A23 rims, brass nipples = $480 shipped

I realize these are not necessarily apples/apples comparisons. I'm just getting myself all turned around on this and need some feedback.

I guess my biggest question is between the 460 and 411 rims and the 6800 vs 350 hubs, with the velocity recommended as an alternative.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

How many spokes in each of those wheels? At your weight, should be at least 28, and preferably 32.

Assuming enough spokes, go with #2: best rims, great hubs (Ultegra are great, too, but will require occasional service - the DTS 350 won't), and brass nips are a little more robust at a trivial weight penalty.

Those prices are all great, btw.

I'd get hubs that can possibly be converted to other freehub bodies, sometime in the future. Shimano hubs can't be changed.

32 spokes for all 3. Thanks

Good point. I’m also considering using a 350 disc brake hub up front for additional “convertibility”, if anyone has thoughts about that.

DT hubs still require service occasionally.

So these are for rim brakes? I would just buy those hubs, then. I wouldn't buy disc brake hubs and then run 'em on a rim brake bike, but that's just me.

If you buy a disc bike in the future, it'll come with wheels...And you might want to keep the present bike.

Really, any of the wheels you are looking at will be good -- but I would go for the DT350 option. That is one of the best value hubs on the market.

Nothing difficult, and not as often as the Ultegra hubs with their cup & cone bearings. Though, if one is comfortable cleaning and repacking those hubs, they will be terrific. As smooth as anything out there.

The DTS hub option comes with better rims, too.

I agree with the choice of DT350 hubs(that's what I use). The freehub service is easy + a tool free procedure.

On the basis of hubs
DT swiss, Ultegra and Velocity; I've never run DT Swiss hubs but know people who have and have serviced them as well, a nice sturdy and well engineered option. Ultegra are good and I've owned a couple sets in the past, 6400 and 6500 series and currently run the XT 8000 series which is equivalent to the newest Ultegra. A little weighty but very well made and only really a step down from Dura Ace due to the Ti freehub the higher end has. Will last decades and spin smooth if taken care of. Velocity I've only have one set of hubs from and they're tandem so limited experience. Better then cheap hubs but just a hub, nothing to worry about but nothing special.

Rims I can't speak on the DTs as having used them, I like and ride the A23 but DT makes nice rims, I'd let other factors speak on this one. So unless it has less then 28 spokes I'd go with the middle option. Rim is a decent weight and build and the hub makes it the best option.

Thanks everyone. Ordered the DTS350 option.

In this example the price is your guide.

Shimano hubs are really good quality hubs. They are also heavy and can't be changed to any other freehub body. The R 460 rim is a light rim that is still a shallow box section. 32 spoke because Shimano. Heavy build overall.

DT 350 - good hub platform that can be adapted. the rim is a newer design than the 460 but generally in the same class (but better IMHO).

Velocity hub - I do love the company and have done a ton of work with them over the years. Their hub platforms are very similar to what we use at the "house hub" level. Which is to say they are "good enough" for most applications. Will be on the lighter side and can be serviced but finding the parts from them outside of bearings 3-5 years down the road may be a nightmare. Out of all 3 hubs this is the weakest link. As for the A23 - I haven't built with that rim in years. Change it over to the Quill. At 32 spoke you will get stellar performance and this would most likely be the stiffest rim option.

...but what do I know. ;)

I guess I knew that price was likely the barometer at the outset, but your remarks are instructive.