Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Is it time to replace my rear wheel?

It happened again, I broke another spoke with less then 20 miles from the last one. Same area, rear drive side at the hub. Cruising at about 15mph, on flat easy ground, not even pushing hard(almost the exact same location as I broke the last one). I'm wondering if its time to make the wheel a 'spare' and order those Deep-V's I've been thinking about (at least one for the back).

Right now I'm using what I assume is the stock wheels on my 05' Allez; a 32 spoke Alexrims DA16 700c rear. I'm still tipping the scales at 330lbs. Could I just be too much for the wheel? The front is the same rim in a 28 spoke And it is still the truest wheel I have ever owned, no sign of weakness there at all (yet). I'll be going to the LBS in the morning and am going to have him give every thing a good looking over. I'm afraid he might not want to comment on my weight out of fear of offending me. So for that reason I come here for the brutal truth; and maybe a reason to buy a new toy I have been eyeballing:rolleyes:

Yes. I broke 8 spokes before I got fed up and got a new set of wheels. It has been close to two years and no broken spokes since.

You may want a different set of wheels. Or you may want to replace the spokes you have with better spokes and then ride about 100 miles and then have someone retension them again to make sure they are staying true.

Sorry to hear of the problems you are having and I hope you have better luck.

Factory wheels tend to be poorly made. And my experience is once you break more then 1 or 2 spokes you're probably better off getting a new wheel. If you want to save you can keep the front and just get a new rear. Get a handmade 36 spoke. If you trust the LBS you can ask them to make it, or I have been happy with wheels from Colorado Cyclist. You can get an Ultegra Open Pro for a good price there.

...........You can get an Ultegra Open Pro for a good price there.

I was looking around the Colorado site and there are two rears that have my attention. There is a Mavic CXP-33 for $140 and the Open Pro for $136. Both come with Ultegra FH-6600 hubs. I wondering witch would be stronger.

They will be built with 36 spoke and I have read that the 3X lacing is one of the strongest so I will go that way unless someone has a better idea. As far spokes go I'm clueless. I'm guessing bigger is better. Any advice there would be great.

I want to price a wheel online then take the list of what I want to my LBS and see what the price difference would be. I don't think I need to say that wheel weight is of little concern I want a bullet proof setup.

I'd go with the CXP-33 out of the two. When I had my Deep V's made, the LBS told me that the only other wheel they would build for me would have been the CXP-33. They said the OP is a good wheel, but not as strong when the rider is over 300. I would also try and find a local builder with a good rep. It makes a load of difference in the oft occasion you have issues with the wheel.

If you going to buy a wheelset check out these guys
http://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=38
Make sure you get a shipping quote from them,

Colorado Cyclist offer free shipping

I like Colorado Cyclist as you can customize your wheel a bit and only have to buy one if that is all you want

Don't have much experience with factory wheels apart from my mtb but they never gave me any trouble. I'd agree 36 holes would be better. CHeck out Sheldon Browns Building a Wheel page if you feel like jumping in at the deep end;)

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html

Might seem daunting but it won't do you any harm. Won't save you money either:)

Here is what I'm thinking of doing:

Front:
Mavic CXP-33; black 32 spoke
DT 14/15 gauge with 2 cross lacing; silver
DT Brass nipples
Shimano Ultegra HB-6600

Rear:
Mavic CXP-33; black 36 spoke
DT 14/15 gauge with 3 cross lacing; silver
DT Brass nipples
Shimano Ultegra FH-6600

Total Price: $274.00 +free shipping (coloradocyclist.com)

Is there anything I could do to make things a little stronger? Cheaper? My goal is to be bullet proof. I know I could get all fancy with the colors and such but I want this wheel set to out last my frame and/or paint job. So why color match it when the next frame might look totally different.

I know I didn't say I have a problem with the front wheel but its only 28 spoke and after busting 2 rear spokes the last thing I want to do is have the front fold going 30+mph down a hill. I find myself backing out of the hills and coasting a lot instead of pounding that 52/12 tooth top gear like I want because I don't trust it.