I got a $240 rear wheel with 40 spokes at prowheelbuilder. I haven't worried about my backwheel since and I have ridden from 350 ish pounds. You will not NEED to spend that much on the wheels. You can spend that much if you want, just not required. I would be worried about the back wheel and how that ankle will perform on dirt trails when you have to mash down hard in the dirt. I would definately try someones dirt bike before deciding on an off-road model.