Originally Posted by
gattm99
Ignore all the 36 hole wheel nonsense, unless you're planning on carrying a camelbak loaded with iron, the wheels that come with whatever bike you get will be fine, and if they break in a few years get some more.
I disagree - 36 spokes gives the rim that much more strength than a 32 spoke rim would have. I've been breaking spokes and cracking rims for years. I'm "only" 240 pounds but ride hard and fast. Just broke a spoke on my new 36 spoke touring bike rim...In addition to the 36 spokes, you should upgrade to high quality Swiss spokes for the rear rim. They are less likely to break on you.