Originally Posted by
bajaking
My "new" 36 spoke wheel is still good after a few weeks of daily urban (bad pavement) rides, so I think it really came down to tensioning and truing somewhat properly (i.e. myself!) and fatter tires.
I think that's what most people find: well-built matters most, so long as it's with reasonable-quality components.
Have had one wheelset professionally built, by R&E Cycles (Rodriguez, in Seattle WA). Exceptionally strong, silent. I fully expect them to last the life of the bike, so long as I do my part.
Velocity CliffHanger rims,
White Industries MI5 hubs,
DT Swiss Champion 14g spokes, DT Swiss brass nipples, riding on
ReneHerse Rat Trap Pass 26x2.3" tires.