Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13,140
Likes: 2,162
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
I'm of the belief that breaking spokes is not normal for any rider under normal conditions, unless we're talking about extremely high mileage.
I'm also of the belief that OEM/factory wheels are no more prone to spoke breakage than "handbuilt" wheels.
I think it's highly unusual that both you and your wife are breaking spokes on three different bikes, and it suggests to me that maybe you're wheels are from the same builder, you've been fussing with them either yourselves or by someone else, or that you're mishandling and abusing the wheels (perhaps in storage or transit), or you're riding under extreme conditions or with great carelessness.
It could be something else is going on, but we need more info before it can said to be typical or expected or whatever.