Wheels for heavy rider

[DMid]

Hi all, 

I have some heavier mates (120 to 140kg) that have started mountain biking. They continuously break spokes.  Mostly gravel road riding (quite bumpy) and some single track. 

Any suggestions on a reasonably priced wheel/spoke configuration that would work for heavier riders?  Eg is there something like a heavy duty spoke or rim?

David

Edited October 19, 2022 by DMid
Fixed spelling

[Steady Spin]

What is the "reasonable budget"?

I can recommend the Lyne Components AMP wheels. Bulletproof. When I was at 115kg I rode them plenty hard and they are still going strong. 

[thebob]

At those weights, they are likely over the maximum system weight for the bike and the wheels. Get your friends in contact with a proper wheel builder who can assist. @nick_the_wheelbuilder is highly recommended

[nick_the_wheelbuilder]

Heavy guys over 100kg need heavy duty wheels - luckily the e-bike market has made these more freely available. Strong rims are the most important component, as long as the wheels are built properly, with the appropriate spoke tensions (meaning high enough tension and very even tensions)

Good strong rims like Stan's Flow EX3, DT Swiss EX511 or HX531, or Spank 359 will do the trick nicely.

Normal 2-1.8-2mm double butted spokes work fine, with brass nipples.
I give a lifetime warranty on my workmanship and the spokes I use (Pillar or DT Swiss normally)

 

[DMid]

Thanks for the input. I think they contacted nick. 

[Robbie Stewart]

Last time I checked (and yes, it's been a while) I was around 125kg. I ride a Specialized Camber. The original Roval back wheel lasted a bit, but it died a slow death. Busted spokes were part of monthly servicing. Eventually the nipples started cracking the rim. I do ride hard though, not being averse to hitting pretty much every jump I can find.

Last year about June I purchased a set of Rapide 36mm Alu wheels and they've held up perfectly after tons of hard riding, including partaking in the Jonkershoek Enduro last month. They have not popped one spoke and still run true. 

I was at the time considering a set of DT Swiss HX531 but for no particular reason opted for the Rapide wheels. 

[Cardinal Richelieu]

I was a 146kg rider now 125 and can vouch for the 32mm Rapide rims. Used to constantly break spokes after the rim upgrade not a single spoke broke over 2500ks.

[100Tours]

+1 for getting wheels built up for you - I've had a few tandem wheels built (rated for a 150kg 'rider'). We had no trouble with a pair of 32h Alu Alexrims rims on Hope hubs.

If you get the spoke tensions right your standard wheel sets will perform just fine.

[MORNE]

Hand built wheels will always be stronger than these factory jobs. Even the expensive ones. Even if you take those cheapo rims and get them properly tensioned by a person who is skilled in the voodoo of wheel building ( like mr @nick_the_wheelbuilderup here),  they will perform better than stock.

[David Marshall]

Hand built with enough double butted spokes.  We used to be able to get 36 hole parts and build up with 4 crosses for the big guys.  Now unfortunately you have to special import these components.