cs1

While not a true vintage question it is relevant. I am in search of a non-disc wheelset in 135mm for a cantilever brake build. After searching it seems like 135mm rear with a 10mm QR is dead and gone. New is better and custom is out for the foreseeable future. Does anyone still produce a decent quality wheelset in the $300 - $400 max range? No low spoke count or bladed spokes need to apply.

JaccoW

I think the Pacenti Brevet wheelset is probably a really good bet.
Came across them earlier this year when looking for high flange hubs.

I believe a couple of user here have them.

kingston 

Velomine has this set that's basic but functional

Rose has several decent rim brake heelsets below your price range. I bought a set with XT hubs and Mavic rims a few years ago that have been solid.

You said you ruled out custom, but building a wheel isn't that hard if you change your mind. If you want a nice set of wheels in your price range, it's really the only way to go. I built a very vintage looking set last year with VO touring hubs and polished Sun CR18 rims that were probably at the high end of your price range if I added everything up. Could be a little more now. I got a good price on the closeout of the 10-speed freehubs. They used to have wheelsets that met your requirements, but it looks like they don't anymore.

Bike components.de has several rim brake shimano hubs that are a decent place to start in your price range. I just bought a set of LX hubs for a touring bike of mine so you can still get them before Shimano shuts it down.

L134 

Rivendell has them, I believe, but you might have to push slightly over $400. Rivbike.com.

bikemig 

Velocity touring wheels are very good and you get a choice of rims. It is slightly above your price range at $450

https://www.velocityusa.com/product/...uring-wheelset

I've been happy with the build quality (and choices) of quality wheels (built by QBP out of Minneapolis)

https://www.velocityusa.com/product/...uring-wheelset

cs1

I saw those this morning. The look great. Does anyone know if it’s possible to take an Ultegra or 105 and put a longer axle in them to fit a 135mm spacing?

ThermionicScott 

If they still use threaded axles for cup and cone bearings, you might not need to. Move the drive-side cone and locknut 2.5mm closer to the end of the axle, rebuild the hub, add a 5mm spacer between the non-drive-side cone and locknut, then re-dish the wheel. You'll still have about 3mm of axle protruding from each side to locate the wheel in the dropouts.