9 Speed Shimano cassette on 10+ speed hub

Question

I've got a 2010 Specialized Tricross with a mostly original drivetrain and wheels. Notably for this question:

Front derailleur: Shimano Tiagra  
Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore LX
Chainset: Shimano Tiagra 50 x 39 x 30T
Wheelset: AlexRims Ace 19, with no-name (unmarked) hubs
Cassette: Shimano Sora HG50 9 Speed 12-25t (replaced stock Shimano HG-50, 9-speed, 11-32t)
Cassette Lockring: Shimano Hyperglide CS-HG50-9

Based on a previous question, my rims are at the end of their life, and the hubs and spokes are probably not worth salvaging for a rebuild. So I'm exploring options for replacement wheels. I don't want to change the drivetrain if I can avoid that since I don't think the bike's worth that much of an upgrade.

Looking around online, I see some wheels specify, for the rear wheel, Shimano 10/11 speed compatibility, without specifying 9 speed compatibility. I also see mixed feedback on other forums as to whether 9 speed Shimano cassettes can go on 10/11 speed hubs. Most existing questions on this site are asking the reverse, i.e. if you can put a 10+ speed casette on 9 speed wheel.

So my questions are:

1. If I'm looking at a set of wheels that says it's 10/11 speed Shimano compatible, is it safe to assume I'd be able to put my 9 speed cassette on it?
2. For a couple of specific examples, should I expect a Campagnolo Calima C17 (Shimano version) or Vision Team 30 to accept my existing 9 speed cassette? Both are 700c rim brake road wheelsets that specify 10/11 speed compatibility.

Thanks.

Answer 1

9 speed cassette is as wide as 10 speed cassette for Shimano parts. Thus, 10 speed compatible is 9 speed compatible, and is 8 speed compatible too (and 7 speed compatible with a large spacer).

However, if the 11 speed compatibility refers to Shimano 11-speed road, then in that case you need 1.85mm spacer to install 11 speed MTB, or 8-10 speed cassettes.

The Campagnolo wheelset has a horrible spoking pattern, don't choose it, it will be a nightmare to maintain and won't withstand any significant weight.

The Vision Team 30 wheelset has too few spokes. It thus won't withstand any significant weight.

Instead, I recommend you finding a quality 36-spoke rim with double eyelets such as DT Swiss TK 540. Pair it with Shimano cup and cone hubs, and install triple butted 2.34mm/1.8mm/2.0mm spokes from a reputable manufacturer such as DT Swiss. If you can't build the wheels on your own, it'll be a very good investment to purchase the wheelbuilding from a professional wheelbuilder. The price won't exceed that of "boutique" wheels but the durability will be at least several hundred times more miles if you put any significant weight on the wheels.