Hubs are ok then
 

Hi Jami, I assume from your posts that the hubs are not the problem with your wheels, but rather that the rims are soft? I found the rims for �500 from Touratech, I could shop around a little before spending the money, p'bably find these cheaper elsewhere. My concern is not being able to find a good wheel builder and I am not confident enough to do it myself.

Yeah, I've dented the rim twice, back home in Finland and on this trip in Tanzania. I also REALLY bended it in Sudan and it was straightened back to shape but that was totally another thing then and can't blame the rim for that.

If the rim is soft enough to take the impact, I guess the hub won't suffer so I can't really say anything about the hub itself. However, I would just get the rims and spokes for 500� rather than spending 1600� for the whole set.

That link to OTR's website that I gave you, is just for the rims and spokes, not the whole set and the price for that (front and rear) was 500 and something in euros. That's what a German friend of mine, whom I met on this trip, has and they seem pretty good.

Jami