Hey guys, this forum has always been a huge help. Im looking to upgrade my rims, well at least my rear rim as I have somewhat warped the rear stock rim on my '09 rock hopper and broken a few spokes. Its currently in the shop and the mechanic is saying that the wheel will be stronger after its rebuilt by hand vs the stock machine build. That makes sense to me but

I was considering buying a stronger/beefier rim as, Ive trued my wheel about 4 or 5 times before the spokes broke. Ive been looking at rims and wheel sets, im a bit confused. Are spokes universal? Are their xc spokes? Dh spokes? Free ride?

From what I understand most of the wheel stregth comes from the number of sopkes and then the quality of the rim. Not so much the spoke quality?

Please correct me if Im wrong.

I ride XC with the occasional bit of rough stuff,(no more than 3 foot drop to flat, rock gardens etc.). Im 225 and Im not a very smooth rider.

What Im looking for are reccomendations on what to put money into to upgrade.

Appreciate it