Where to get new wheels

[dknapp]

The problem: Standard rear spokes keep breaking on commuter bike.  Wheels are WTB Dual Duty XC 700C with 32 stock spokes.  Rider weight is 145 lbs, with light weight saddle bags.  Four broken rear spokes in two years of daily riding.  Average 16 miles per day with occasional tours of 60 miles per day.  Paved roads and bike trails.  No dirt riding.  

Where is good online store for higher spoke count wheels?   Without spending more on wheels than the bike cost, what do you recommend? I figured something with at least 36 stainless spokes.

Bike is a Gary Fisher Nirvana.

[DaveB]

You don't need higher spoke count wheels, you need wheels built with the proper spoke tension to begin with.  If you've broken four rear spokes in that time, the stock wheels were under tensioned as built and more spokes won't help.

I'm about 150 pounds and also carry light loads occasionally and have gotten 30,000+ miles on several 32 spoke rear wheels with no spoke breakage ever. My wheels eventually fail because the rims get worn through the brake tracks but the spokes are all fine.

I suggest Colorado Cyclist as a source for good, well built properly tensioned wheels. Both I and my son-in-law have had excellent service from their wheels.

[cyclesafe]

Another online source is the hand built wheel offerings of:

http://www.speedgoat.com/

Here you have a wider choice of wheel components.  Expect to pay $300-400 for a complete set of wheels.  Or perhaps, if money is tight, just go for the rear wheel.

I agree with DaveB in that with your type of usage, 32 spokes ought not to have given you trouble if they were built properly.  OTOH, if you are going to get custom built wheels, I'd go for 36h, 14 ga spokes, a robust touring rim such as a Velocity Dyad, and a reliable easily maintained hub like Ultegra or XT.  If money is burning a whole in your pocket, get Phil Wood hubs and/or a power generating hub.

[alfonso]

I had a similar problem. I finally asked my bike shop to rebuild the rear wheel with new spokes. None have broken since (touch wood). I doubt if a new or upgraded wheel is necessary unless you really want one.

[wdyharden]

I had Peter White build a pair for me. He is resonable in pricing and builds a quality wheel. I have about 5000 miles of commuting and touring on them at this time. No broken spokes. The front wheel is still perfect and only had to do minor truing of rear wheel. You can find his website through Google. I highly recommend him.

[RussellSeaton]

I like alfonso's reply.  Assuming your current wheels use stock parts, have a COMPETENT, local bike shop or person rebuild them, or just the rear to start, with new spokes.  14/15 gauge double butted with brass nipples.  Use the old hub and rim.  The problem is finding a competent local bike shop or person that will guarantee their work.