Originally Posted by
brentd
So what are folks' feelings on the Trek 820? 36 spokes and a steel frame, so those are positives. The Bontrager AT-550's are single wall rims, though, and I've seen sort of mixed reviews on them. Mostly, however, from folks doing trail riding and not the paved or otherwise smooth paths we would be riding. Those rims seem to be the standard on anything in my price range with 36 spokes. Seems like they go with double-walled only if it's a 32 spoke wheel.
My advice is don't pick a bike based on the wheels that come with it. Buy the bike that makes you want to ride, and put some money aside to upgrade the rear wheel if necessary.