Originally Posted by
Bill Kapaun
Exactly how many spokes do you have? Currently 36H
You can prolong the life o your current wheels by having the spokes PROPERLY & EVENLY tensioned.
That may result in a better wheel than a CHEAP wheel set.
IF you need a new wheel, likely it would just be the rear. In that case, look for an offset spoke bed (OC) rim. It results in a more symmetrical (thus stronger) wheel.
Tire sidewall cracking is a different issue than wheel "strength".
Straight gauge spokes ARE stronger, but butted spokes result in longer wheel life.