Originally Posted by
Psimet2001
I typically don't put anyone on a 24 spoke wheel on the rear unless their riding weight is less than 160, it's a deep section and strong rim, or it a race only application.
Higher spoke count will equate to a stronger wheel all other factors being held the same.
Wheel build quality has a huge impact on wheel durability, but you can't polish a turd.
Using a 24h for 230lbs is equivalent to bringing a knife to a gunfight. It could be a helluva knife but you're still going to get shot.
+1
Don't worry about the wheel weight. It doesn't make much difference at all. I've been winning races for a few years on the same 32h 3x rear wheel.
If you don't go for a deep rim (Kin Lin XR-300 is my fav), then at least get an off-center spoke line. My rear is a Velocity Aerohead OC that I built very carefully. 2.5 years later, the only time it's needed a spoke wrench is when a stick tossed in there and broke a spoke 9 months ago -- replaced spoke and it's perfect since then.
With a centered deep-v style rim, I'd consider the possibility of thinner NDS spokes too. They stretch more to get up to tension, which means they can take a bigger hit before going slack. Either way though, you'll be looking at a very durable wheel if it's built right (see psimet for details).