A couple of observations. I have owned, and sold, a lot of big
Cannondales and I think they are great for large riders. I just heard
from one of you that a Cannondale reseller can order frames as large
as 66cm. I'm going to check this out with our local (Portland)
Cannondale bike shop and see what they say.
On wheels I don't have direct experience only weighing 165, but a lot
of people say go with a high spoke count. Like 32 or 36. I have
heard some good results with newer wheels with less spokes but why
push it. Also wheels made specifically for touring are made to handle
much heavier loads, therefore tougher...Rusty