Originally Posted by
phughes
A good rim builder did that with my LHT rims when I got it five years ago, and they are still fine, despite heavy loading and general abuse on the road.
I have a 2011 LHT and am fortunate to have relationships with shops who employee knowledgeable wheel people. I don't go ultra light and subject the bike to abuse. Indeed, just got back from an 11 day tour in Montana which featured some very harsh, unpaved roads, including one 20 mile section of dirt/rocks/gravel with massive washboards in places, including on descents. Third time the bike has been over that road since I got it. I think the wheels have been worked on twice. With that said, I am curious as to what rim the OP broke. My '11 LHT came stock with Alex Adventurer rims. IIRC, Surly switched to a different rim a few years ago.