Yep - After you have popped a few spokes the others cannot be trusted if you continue to load them (especially when mashing) - I have been very happy with a wheel set I got at Harris "Sun Rims" with 36 14ga SS spokes - I found that my old wheels had inferior spokes with my load - I am 230+ pounds with at least 8 pounds of gear and ride country roads - I have found that full tire pressure is important and keeping my rear wheel aligned perfectly in the drops as well - I don't ever let my wheels get out of true and find they need adjustment about once a month at every other day riding - I know these are simple things but I have found them increasingly important...