If you are ordering a set of wheels from me, the rim/hub/spoke combinations are many, and I can work with you to make sure you get the correct wheels for your needs and budget. Over time, however, I have developed some go-to wheel packages. Here are a few (all prices are close estimates, which may not be accurate to the penny):
Economical 700C wheels:
For upgrading older steel road bikes from 5/6/7sp freewheel hubs to 8/9sp cassette hubs (may require re-spacing the frame from 120 or 126 mm to 130 mm) or for upgrading cheesy factory wheels on more modern bikes that can clear a tire that is 28 mm or wider.
Hubs: Shimano Tiagra
Rims: Salsa Delgado Cross 700C
Spokes: Wheelsmith 14g
Rear wheel price: $160
Front wheel price: $140
Wheel set price: $270
For touring bikes, cross bikes, hybrids, and other 700C bikes that have a 135 mm rear end.
Hubs: Shimano Deore
Rims: Salsa Delgado Cross 700C
Spokes: Wheelsmith 14g
Rear wheel price: $160
Front wheel price: $140
Wheel set price: $270
Fancier 700C wheels:
For upgrading older steel road bikes from 5/6/7sp freewheel hubs to 8/9sp cassette hubs (may require re-spacing the frame from 120 or 126 mm to 130 mm) or for replacing cheesy factory wheels on more modern 8/9sp bikes where light weight is a priority.
Hubs: Shimano Tiagra
Rims: Velocity Aerohead 700C
Spokes: Wheelsmith 14/15g
Rear wheel price: $200
Front wheel price: $180
Wheel set price: $360
For upgrading older steel road bikes from 5/6/7sp freewheel hubs to 9/10sp cassette hubs (may require re-spacing the frame from 120 or 126 mm to 130 mm) or for replacing cheesy factory wheels on more modern 9/10sp bikes where light weight is a priority.
Hubs: Shimano Ultegra 6700
Rims: Velocity Aerohead 700C
Spokes: Wheelsmith 14/15g
Rear wheel price: $270
Front wheel price: $230
Wheel set price: $470
For touring bikes, cross bikes, hybrids, and other 700C bikes that have a 135 mm rear end.
Hubs: Shimano XT
Rims: Velocity Dyad 700C
Spokes: Wheelsmith 14/15g
Rear wheel price: $220
Front wheel price: $190
Wheel set price: $390
Wheels with Phil Wood hubs:
Phil Wood freewheel hubs are available in 120, 126, 130, and 135 mm spacings, so you can match your bike without having to re-space your frame.
road/lightweight:
Hubs: Phil Wood road freewheel
Rims: Velocity Aerohead 700C
Spokes: Wheelsmith 14/15g
Rear wheel price: $290
Front wheel price: $270
Wheel set price: $540
touring/commuting:
Hubs: Phil Wood touring freewheel
Rims: Velocity Dyad 700C
Spokes: Wheelsmith 14/15g
Rear wheel price: $290
Front wheel price: $270
Wheel set price: $540
Phil Wood also makes a cassette hub that is arguably the most durable cassette hub on the market.
road/lightweight:
Hubs: Phil Wood road cassette
Rims: Velocity Aerohead 700C
Spokes: Wheelsmith 14/15g
Rear wheel price: $540
Front wheel price: $270
Wheel set price: $780
touring/commuting:
Hubs: Phil Wood touring cassette
Rims: Velocity Dyad 700C
Spokes: Wheelsmith 14/15g
Rear wheel price: $540
Front wheel price: $270
Wheel set price: $780
super-heavy touring and tandem, 40h or 48h:
Hubs: Phil Wood touring cassette
Rims: Velocity Dyad 700C
Spokes: Wheelsmith 14/15g
Rear wheel price: $590
Front wheel price: $300
Wheel set price: $820
