There's been consistent complaints over things other than the Shimano running gear on the Reids, including super cheap rim tape and tubes and tyres.
I don't buy the low end Shimano argument. I ran Sora for many years, and now that I run 105 I realise how much smoother the shift is (and the Sora thumb lever is not cool). But I never had any maintenance problems. It always ran ok, and in fact I later found out that some of the deterioration in shifting was from a bent derailluer. If given the choice, always get a better groupset, but Shimano don't have endemic quality problems, even on their low end groupsets.
Reid are meeting the ultra low pricepoint by running low margins on the groupset, using cheap wheels and cheaping out on everything else (bars, steam, saddle, tubes, tyres, rim tape, bearings etc.) So the risk of having to replace bearings or tyres increases. Not a huge deal, but it's money and maintenance time that can be avoided.
Definitely ride the bike before buying. If you're buying secondhand off Gumtree or similar, make sure you take it for a ride around the block, and adjust seat height and handlebars before you lay down any money. If buying on
eBay, only buy from someone in your area who will take cash on delivery and let you test ride it. Don't pay for a bike and have it shipped to you or otherwise only to find out it's the wrong size or a dud!
Also keep an eye out for bike shop specials. It might be a bit late, but some stores might still have 2012 or even 2011 stock that they're trying to clear still. If you pop in to a couple of local stores, just explain your situation and ask if they have anything. You could get lucky.
Don't worry about wheelsets. The weight of wheels absolutely matters, but when you're starting out it's better just to get rolling. And in the future wheels are
literally the easiest thing to swap on the bike, so worry about that when you come to it. Like groupsets, always try to get the best wheels you can for your budget, but don't stress it.
But yeah, you do have to scour
eBay and Gumtree for something to come up in the right size (although the size you're looking for is quite common). If there is literally nothing, or nothing that isn't hideously overpriced, then the
Reid is an option.
Overall though, good luck man! Cycling is an addictive hobby and a great way to meet new people/keep fit/get around. And race. Racing is addictive.