[rohan]

I just bought a Black Mountain Cycles Monster Cross on the forum, and I would love your advice on a second wheelset, one with road tires and one with the Bruce Gordon Rock n' Roads that came with the bike.

The bike is currently set up as a 7-speed, and lack of available funds mean that I am likely going to keep it that way. The current front wheel is a Mavic MA-40 rim with a Dura Ace hub. The rear wheel is a Mavic Open 4 CD rim with an American Classic 7-speed mountain freewheel hub. Rear hub and rear spacing are 130mm.

What should my second wheelset look like? What should my second set of tires be? My riding is likely to be commuting, bike camping, and touring, with some trails and winter riding. Does it make sense to have 8/9/10-speed wheels built with a 7-speed cassette and 4.5mm spacer? My price point is $300-350.