New wheels for additional weight

[GatleyJim]

Hi,

I could do with some advice on new wheels for my bike.

I bought a second hand Dolan Preffisio last year to use as a winter bike and commuter (with a rack and mudguards). I am really pleased with it but, the first time I used it for a loaded commute, a spoke broke on the rear wheel. The guy at the shop who mended it was really helpful and said that the wheel that came with it is more of a performance wheel and recommended I get something better at taking the load. He suggested a pair of his Halo Evauro, which looked nice to me. I have seen them at Balfes for a decent price (£140 compared to the £220 he estimated) but wanted to get a second opinion on whether they would be strong enough for two loaded panniers.

https://www.balfesbikes.co.uk/components/wheels/halo-evaura-6d-wheels-black-700c__12817

Does anyone have any thoughts? Other recommendations also welcome. I might be doing a spot of light touring and would ideally use this bike as well. Would I be pushing the wheels too far?

Cheers,

James.

 

[Cycleops]

Looks like most of the spokes are missing.
I should get something with a conventional spoke count for touring otherwise you not only might be pushing the wheels too far but the bike as well

 

[Tim Bennet.]

Well they're certainly cheap!

I guess it depends what you mean by 'strong enough'. How heavy are you, how heavy the panniers and are you running the biggest tyres possible?

Quite a few variables, but having said that (and with the caveat that I've no experience of those wheels), in traditional, conservative parlance, straight laced or minimally crossed, 20 / 24 spoked wheels like those were never touted for their reliability for loaded riding.

 

[GatleyJim]

Thanks for the responses. You've probably saved me from a mistake. I am a big lad - 6'7" and 15 stone.

I'm in two minds. No point in trying to make the Dolan into a commuter/light tourer if it's not built for it. Might just keep it as a winter bike and get myself a tourer for commuting/touring.

Will have a think.

 

[Cycleops]

I'm glad you realise that. I was going to say it but I didn't want to accused of pushing you into a new bike for the sake of it.

 

[GatleyJim]

Haha don't worry. If anything, I now have no choice and can spend hours pouring the internet for tourers in time for my Cyclescheme voucher in April.

Always fancied a custom-frame Mercian...

 

[Donger]

I have had Alpine 3 Triple-butted spokes installed in all of my rear wheels, and none has ever broken.

 

[Blue Hills]

For loaded touring I'd get 36 spoke sputniks from Spa.

 

[biggs682]

compared to the £220 he estimated

I don't spend that in complete bikes

 

[Arrowfoot]

2 loaded panniers and your weight, you just need a rear wheel with 36 spokes. Your Dolan frame is fine. If you touring, then the equation changes on the frame.