I don't want to create a help me buy something thread so Ill dump this question here.
I've destroyed the stock rear wheel on my '09 rockhopper. Mostly due to my ignorance(I've been educated now) and partially to me being 220-235lbs and I am not the smoothest rider.
My LBS recommended this wheelset as a strong relatively cheap replacement.
http://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com...d&productId=86
Weights not a big deal to me.. I ride by myself just for fun..
I ride only XC. Usually everyday weather permitting, and my local trail has a quite a few rocky sections. I think a 2 foot drop is the most I reguarly encounter.
My front wheel is completely fine, still completely true. So I was considering instead of buying a new wheelset just put the money into a stronger rear wheel. Buy a rim/spokes/hub individually and take them in and get the wheel built.
I've been reading reviews trying to get a handle on what suits my needs.
DT spokes are good? Not sure which specific ones too look at..
I asked chelboed about rims awhile ago and he recommended
DT EX 5.1d rims
Sun MTX, S-types, and Mavic 721's. (options) The EX5.1d's are fairly light and still tough enough as long as the wheel builder is competent.
As far as a hub.. I havent really got a clue. I think the one from my stock wheel is salvageable because I just tacoed the rim and broke a bunch of spokes. The stock hub is a
Specialized, forged alloy, double sealed, ground race, cassette, QR, 32h
I also found this
http://www.instructables.com/id/S8T2I8KFCEIJ24L/
I dont really want to ruin any more wheels because I didnt keep em trued. Ive also been reading the wheel building chapter in Zinn's mountain bike matience book and playing with the idea of trying to build my own.
Any suggestions? My price range.. is flexible..