Open Pros only crack at the eyelets when over-tightened. They are high spoke count rims, so they don't need anywhere near the tension of a lower spoke count wheel. Properly built, they should last a long time for the OP, as long as he doesn't ride it like it is a mtb. That means using your legs like shocks when hitting bumps- get your butt off of the saddle and keep your legs slightly bent so your legs work like the old lever type shocks from an old British car. Don't run up onto curbs, and don't bunny hop unless you can land lightly.