Originally Posted by
LeeG
Mike, I'm curious about stock wheels on pricier production bikes these days. My assumption being that the 920 fits that description. Would you feel confident sending someone out on a trip loaded as you were on the 920 without going over the wheels? I ask because djb's observation would imply an improperly trued wheel although one anecdote doesnt necessarily define the original status of the wheel.
i've bought a couple Handspun brand wheels a few years back and they didn't require any adjustment as received, spoke tension was even and they stayed true for years carrying my fat ass and loads. Just wondering if the bikes come out of the box with well built wheels.
A lot of spoke breakage I saw decades ago on PCH came from people who simply were unaware of the condition of their wheels so they would ride for 100's of miles on wheels a bike mechanic could tell right off needed trueing. The only way the person knew something was wrong was when the spokes broke.
Having run MANY pairs of untouched stock wheels and a few pairs of handbuilt wheels, I will say I personally see so little difference long term between the two that I don't really worry myself about it. I have seen a handful of lemons on customer bike and the worst pair I saw were handbuilt by someone who thought they knew what they were doing! Always have a competent person check everything over before leaving on a trip. That's the lesson.