Thanks for your note! You're right -- it's pretty cumbersome to add features here and there on the site. But your concern is an important one. There are links to the manufacturers' descriptions for rims, and of course you can easily contact me for more suggestions regarding hubs and spokes. I'm pretty open to suggestion, and I have strong opinions regarding touring wheels. So ask away!

Thanks for your note. First thing -- ride fatter tires. If you're on a bike with relatively narrow tires (say, 25mm or so) -- and your frame will take a wider tire -- go to a 32. And run lower pressure! Don't pay too much attention to the posted lower and upper limits on the tire's sidewall. Go for something in between. So, for example, if a 32mm tire says "inflate to 85psi," leave it at 65 or 70psi, and see if you can ride it without getting a pinch flat. If so, stay there -- you'll be amazed how comfortable it is, and how little it affects "performance."

Next thing: a good, comfortable saddle. This doesn't necessarily mean soft. The best saddles are relatively stiff or hard, and, over time, will conform to your body's shape. I ride leather saddles all the time, and most of the time (when riding in a more "upright" position), the wider, flatter Brooks B68 or B67 (first one without, second one with springs). When riding on "drop" handlebars, then the Brooks B17 is a bit more comfortable.

Last thing (for now): ride more. You'll find that as you ride more, you get more comfortable with the bike, and your riding will improve, both with "technique" and enjoyment.