I'm looking for some new wheels for my cyclocross race bike, but I really don't know where to start.

Of course, I want either tubeless or tubular (NO TUBES EVER AGAIN!), but I'm not sure which one I want. I'm only 140lbs, pretty smooth, and don't plan on going below 35psi, maybe 30psi.

I'd like a few things,

Must be light, of course! my current setup is pretty heavy, 1800g wheels, 400g+ tires, 120g tubes

I cannot afford any of the 'big' companies carbon wheels, at the absolute most 800$, but even that is pushing it.

I would like something stiff, but I'm only 140lbs, shouldn't be too hard.

Fairly reliable.

I can get the Williams cyclocross wheels for cheap (300$ish), but they don't seem that light. I can also get Velocity stuff very cheap. Another option I considered was Chinese carbon rims, but that scares me a bit. Then there is the Stans rims, and I've had very good luck with there stuff on the MTB.

I was considering building another Chinese 50mm carbon wheelset for cross as pleased with my road set. However, I think the 20/24 drillings they come in will be too fragile.

As you get Velocity cheap, something based on the Major Tom rim would be a good starting point. Hub and spoke combination would depend on how much you want to spend.

I built some 50mm Chinese carbon tubulars with DT Swiss hubs and DT Swiss competition spokes. They are 20/24 and I didn't have any issues with them and I weigh 165 lbs. I know at the time I bought them 28 hole rims were also readily available if you are concerned about stiffness and durability.

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Ridley Noah FAST = 7.38 kg
BMC TM01 = 7.96 kg
Raligh HiLife = 7.46 kg
http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=104672

I forgot about the Major Tom's, will have to give them another look. What about the Velocity escape? It is 19mm wide, is that too narrow?

Tamu8104, which manufacturer had 28h rims?

Chris, I PM'd you. I tried emailing you, but it came back saying it failed.

Thanks guys

Alright, I've pretty much decided to go for the Major Tom rims.

Now, what spokes? Thinking DT Revolutions or Sapim Laser. Are CX-Rays worth the cost?

Anybody ever use Titanium nipples? They seem like they might be a nice compromise of weight and strength.
http://www.titanwheeltech.com/

Still not sure on hubs. Pretty much open to anything that will be durable, light and build a stiff wheel (can't afford Alchemy hubs, though).

What about tires? I need something that is a good all around tire, puncture resistance comes first, weight second, and suppleness a close third.

I wouldn't bother with CX-Rays for cross if you are on a budget - put the money towards better hubs/tyres.

Regarding hubs - have you considered bikehubstore? Not sure about durability in mud (I've got a set on my road wheels) but they are light, easy to swap the cartridge bearings and cheap.

yeah, I've been highly considering the bikehubstore.com hubs.

I may have found a good deal on a Dura-Ace 7800 rear hub, only problem is I can't find a 7800 front hub! Does anybody know how different the Dura-ace 7800 rear hubs and the 7900 front hubs look, are they different colors?

EDIT: Was a little more than I was hoping to spend, but I took the plunge anyways and ordered the White Industries hubs.