... my wheels have finally had enough. I've been riding a set of stock, low-end wheels on my Jake the Snake for the past 5000 miles or so and it looks as though it is finally time to replace them (Sora hubs and cxp-11 rims). The front cones and cups are shot. The rear rim sidewalls have been worn paper thin. The sand in Florida really did a number on the sidewalls! I'm just using the bike for commuting and some fun rides on the weekends.

Can anyone suggest an inexpensive replacement wheelset? I'm hoping for a price of less than $300, but would prefer to spend less than $200 if possible. Am I dreaming? Is there any hope for me? Obviously at this price point I'm not concerned with weight. I think I'd prefer to go with 32 spokes front and rear, but I'm open to worthy, affordable suggestions. Spending more than $300 is not an option.

Thanks!
goatnuck

Look around on Craigslist and you should find some for $100-$150. Or, get a pair of handbuilt wheels--the good 'ol Ultegra hub/Mavic Open Pro combination works great. I forget what they run but $250 sounds about right.

Performance bike has the ultegra/ultra pros in silver for $199 and black with $25 dollar premium. These would probably be the best quality for the dollar. Always get the bomb proof rating...

Decent deals here (http://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=1)

I got a pair of ultegra/open pro/32 spoke wheels from them for cross season last year. So far so good.

I really like the Ultegra hub/Velocity rim combination, in the Deep V, Fusion, or the touring rim (I don't remember the model name). 36 spokes rear, 32 front, and they have lasted me for over 12,000 miles, and almost 3,000 miles on bike #2.

You should be able to find a Mavic Aksium set for under $300. I think I've seen them under $250 and they're supposed to be decent. But it sounds like you're looking for something alittle more stout than that. The Ultegra Hub/Velocity Deep V (or Mavic Open Pro) combo sounds pretty decent. You could probably get away with 105 or Tiagra level hubs though.

These are probably perfect for you http://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=37

They're probably machine built, but you could always hit up your local shop to make sure they're tuned well.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I checked craigslist for my area, but there wasn't anything there. I forgot to mention that I'm in Canada and hoping to find a store in the US that will ship here. Does anyone know if Bicycle Wheel Warehouse ships internationally?

Their Ultegra/Open Pros seem like a great option. Even the 105, CXP22 would fit the bill I suppose. Now it all depends on shipping!

performance has their forte titan wheelset going for $120... at that price you don't even need a coupon, but if you find one it could be even less

Ditto on the Ultegra/Open Pro wheels from Performance. I've got three sets of them with many thousands of miles with no problems. Performance usually sells them for $200-220 a set and periodically puts them on sale for less. Get them sent to a local Perf store, and shipping is free. If you're a team member, you get 10% back in rebates.

They'll be better than what you had and there's no point spending more than twice that on an OP/105 or Ultegra set. Spend your savings on something else.