These new all-purpose wheels from Shimano are compatible with both rim and disc brakes (via a Shimano Centre-Lock mount), and are well built with shallow section rims and 24 semi-bladed black steel spokes. The spokes are straight pull, with the nipples in the hub (a chunky affair with well sealed cup and cone internals). This configuration makes adjustments more difficult than they might otherwise be, especially on the rear drive side - not that any adjustment has been necessary in the test period. Of course, if you're running discs then minor wobbles are less of a concern anyway.
These wheels have been rolling well on my disc-clad urban bike for most of the autumn and they'd be an excellent choice for commuting or short tours. Or fit a set to your mountain bike (they should fit easily with a road or slim touring tyre to most mountain bikes) and you've got a capable tarmac machine. They're only really likely to be of interest if you have disc brakes or are thinking of fitting them, because there are better rim-brake wheels for the same money out there. They're not as light as a set of Mavic Speed Citys - you're gaining about 360g a pair - but they're £100 cheaper, and built to last.