5 replies to this topic

[Dayne]

So here is the deal. I weigh around 120-130 kilos and my stock wheels on the trek4300 just can't handle that. In less then a year now I have had at least 4 maybe 5 cases where I have had my spokes break off. I am looking to buy either custom wheels or other that are designed for heavier riders. Any advice, (other then loose weight, I'm working on that with the bike )on wheel strength info, custom wheel pro's/con's and info, good stores, good pre-made wheels fitting my needs, or anything else any of you can think of that would help would be appreciated. The bike is a mountain bike, but all breaks have occurred while I was riding on pavement. Also due to my weight, I keep the rear tube inflated to a minimum 60 otherwise I am riding to low to the rim. Only having this problem on the rear wheel.    Thanks for any help

[fdimike]

I would check the following:  1.  Are you using top quality stainless steel spokes with brass nipples? 2.  Make sure your wheels are double walled.  If not change them to double walled ones. 3.  Number of spokes.  If you are using less than 32 chnage to 32.  If you are using 32 spoke wheels now you can change to 36 spoke wheels & hubs   I hope this helps

[pedalpusher]

Perhaps try some downhill wheels and tyres - they're built to be tougher than regular mtb wheels and tyres. Tubeless tyres would be better to avoid pinch flats.

[Dayne]

Thanks to both of you for your replies. I will start at the most affordable option, and replace the spokes, but after that Ill be looking at a new wheel, either a 36 spoke or a downhill wheel (actually ima look into this more as I tend to be hard on all my stuff) I don't have a big problem with flats so I will skip the tubeless option until that becomes a more affordable option. Thanks again guys

[Australianbike]

For you the Mountain bike is the best. Try it!

[Dayne]

The trek 4300 is a mountain bike. But thank you for your input. Now I just come off the seat a bit when I know I'm about to hit a bump, and lean forward a bit to change the weight ratio. I still snap spokes from time to time, but not as often.