Originally Posted by
cyccommute
It is relatively easy to swap out a worn out or damaged rim...depending on the severity of the damage...and continue using a wheel. The spokes can out last many rims. Generally, that doesn't happen because the ERD of rims is far from standard so finding a rim with the same ERD is close to impossible. It can be done, and I have done it, but doing so requires lots of research.
Mavic has been making the Open Pro for almost 20 years, with the Reflex Clincher sharing its ERD before that.
Velocity has been making many of the same rims (Deep V, Fusion, Aerohead) for a very long time.
You can even keep a spare or two on-hand for when the inevitable happens.