New wheels for light touring in a few weeks

[chilliez]

I'm off solo riding in SE Asia in 3 weeks and wondering if I should upgrade the Mavic Aksium that came with the bike? So far they have been good, but prefer not to carry spare spokes (no panniers or backpack on this trip). I just want a really solid wheel for travelling with as I will be out of the main cities. If things do go bad I wonder how easy those flat spokes would be to replace anyway.

So the local bike shop has custom built Mavic Open Pro rims with the ceramic coating and Ultegra hubs for $600. The theory is these are a stronger rim and would be easier to find replacement spokes should that happen. I've found cheaper online, but the time for delivery could be tight, and still need to get to the shop to change the sprocket over.

I did have my eye on a dynamo hub, but really need a solution within the next couple of weeks.

So anyone have any specific rim/wheel recommendations that could be sourced within a couple weeks? In WA. Budget would be around the $600 range.

The only other option suggested so far was Fulcrum Racing 5 for $300.

Cheers.

[chilliez]

Another option available is Alex R390 Pro with 105 hubs for $400.