I've started commuting to school and back 2-3 days a week this summer to lose some weight and save some $$$ on gas. I have a stock 2005 Trek 7300FX that I purchased new but let sit around until recently so it only has about 250 miles on it in total. I suppose I could be characterized as a super-cylde at 325 lbs. The problem I'm having is that twice in the last 3 weeks, I've broken 2 spokes on the left (non-cog) side of the rear wheel. The first time was on a night ride home and I didn't notice until the next day. I took the wheel in to the LBS to have get spokes replaced and it took 5 days to get my bike back (i'm guessing they are busy right now.) I was not completely satisfied with the job they did, as the wheel seemed a bit out of true when I got it back, but I figured it was close enough and I wanted to get back to riding, so I fgured it wouldn't matter and took the bike home. On the ride home today (only the second ride since I got it back), I hit a bump and heard the "pong" as 2 more spokes popped.
The wheel is a WTB Dual Duty XC 700c (622x17) rim with a Shimano Deore FH-510 VAM hub. My questions are: As a clyde, should I just accept that I'll pop spokes and take it back to the LBS for another round of repairs? The wheel seems to have low-mid quality components, so is it worth repairing the wheel again (probably $27- $25 labor +$1 per spoke?) I'm not afraid to build/ rebuild a wheel myself (although I've never done it,) so would it be worthwhile to invest in a wheel truing stand and the other accoutrements (and is the truing stand absolutely necessary if I just want to replace a spoke or two on occasion?) If I choose to upgrade the wheel, please offer recommendations on a clyde-appropriate 700c rim/ hub spoke combo.
My plan is to keep this bike in service until I hit 250 lbs then I'll treat myself to a new bike, but I cannot fathom that paying $27 every other week and having the bike in the shop for 5 days as being a reliable machine and the best investment I can make until I have lost that weight.
I'm going to cross-post this in the Clyde forum to get their take on things.
Many thanks,
Aeneas