BearSnacks

I finally live/work in a place where I can bike commute again (Southeast Alaska), and I'm looking to update my Surly Pacer that I built up from a hodgepodge of spare parts in 2005 when I worked in a shop. I've since lived under a rock and missed just about every update with regard to standards and what's out there. Apparently gravel bikes happened and are cool, and road bikes now have disc brakes.

I'm mostly curious for tire and wheelset suggestions (Budget <$500 for wheelset), with an emphasis on durability, maybe second emphasis on smaller manufacturers or style. I'd like to put something on there with a bit wider tires (~30mm?), hopefully with a tiny bit of tread so that I don't get totally hosed by small amounts of slush in late season. I'll probably update with a Sram Rival groupset, so planning to put quality parts on the bike. SE Alaska is pretty rough coastal environment for bikes, so durability and reliability are definitely my top concern. .

canopus 

Just looking at the specs on the pacer it doesn't look like it holds bigs tires. 32s with no fenders/28s with fenders, I would recommend fenders especially for commuting. Unless your jobs doesn't care about your clothes, in which case 700C with 32's and off you go. Upgrade with what you want or can afford. But good hubs (I preferred sealed for maintenance issues) and stainless everything is a good start. I tend to build all my wheels so I'm not much help for existing sets. I would be more inclined to get a different bike for communting, bigger tires, fenders, rack etc. and keep the pacer as a sportier ride.

BearSnacks

I... had not caught that. Looks like the front will be OK, but the back will definitely be an issue. Thanks for the reply. I might throw on some Mucky Nutz or something, but fortunately I get to put on a new set of clothes when I get to work.

ThermionicScott 

Another thing you may have missed since 2005 are the 650B conversions of 700C road frames. A few people have even done them to Pacers. Something to look into if you want wider tires and fenders, but without the sluggish ride of some touring bikes.