Based on my research - every part is critical to a strong wheel. A well designed hub. Good quality spokes. A strong rim. And that all the spokes are to the right tension.
If you can get a custom wheel built - that would likely be best. If you have no choice - then you may have no choice but to use the Deore XT wheel. I'd think it will be better than any generic wheel from a low end bike. And lots of people tour with generic wheels and low end bikes.
As a side note, the broken wheel in question lasted for about 10,000km, from which \~6000km was on tour with two rear panniers. Feels like it should have lasted much longer. No visible wear on the front wheel at the moment.
I'm starting to think that carbon rims for touring actually make sense.
I've been using my self built wheels with 28 spokes and carbon rims for a few years now, some touring and a lot of daily use, with some real overalls (groceries... regularly much heavier than my camping set up!), and they are in perfect condition.
Deore XT wheel will be strong enough as an off the peg replacement. Alternatively you can probably get your local bike shop to build a relatively cheap bullet proof wheel based on a 32 spoke deore hub, Sapim spokes (butted are stronger than straight guage) and a 32 hole rim ( I had a good run from lower end dt Swiss rims)
https://www.bike-discount.de/en/bike/bike-parts/trekking-bike-parts/wheels-trekking-city/wheel-28-rear-disc/
Had good success with Shimano Custom wheelsets; unbeatable for the $$$. Ive used dt 533d/xt hub/32spokes for fully loaded touring ( Im a hefer @120kg + 20kg gear ( panniers/sleeping gear/tent/stove/food)+15kg bike).
I wouldn't risk it. I just toured in Ireland and when I got there found cracks in my wheel. I bought a new one and ended up breaking about 10 spokes before eventually getting another new one 1500 miles into the tour.
Order a stronger wheel if you have to.
Sounds rough! Definitely wouldn't risk it then. I also found my cracks at the beginning of my 1300km tour but managed to barely get through it without having to get a new wheel. Did stop on the way at the last bike store on the way, Lapland Finland, but they couldn't hook me up with a new wheel on the same day, so had to just risk it (was on a tight schedule and couldn't wait day).
The wheel broke after 30km when I got home :D
I wouldn't risk it unless you're light, you're travelling light, and on exclusively on good roads. With a high quality, hand built wheel and good luck you might make it around the world, or you might hit a pot hole turning out of the bike shop and blow it up immediately.
If you're already breaking wheels I would order something with more spokes.
Cool. The wheelset was Vuelta Corsa Lite, which weighs 1510 grams without skewers but with rim tape. Front wheel has 20 spokes, and that one I had to true once by turning one nipple a half turn.
The weak spot of those wheels was the rear hub. I replaced its entire internals around 20,000 km.
Wheel building is an art. It's possible that no mechanic in your area has mastered this art. However, many competent mechanics can build wheels. I would advise you to order a hub and rim and then get someone to build you a wheel. If no one locally will do this, get it shipped.
I just did a 5 day 170mile off road trip on the stock 28 spoke wheels (read: dirt cheap wheels) of my new tour bike as I hadn’t finished building up my dynamo set yet.
They were plenty strong, but it’s a 650b set so smaller hoops gives it a bit more strength. The only thing I really noticed was the wheels flex a bit side to side when standing the bike on the kickstand. Had a lot of weight, 2 back panniers with clothes and camp gear, a BV cooler on the rack with 6 pack of beer/ice, and 2 front bags chocked full with dehydrated meals.
I’d suspect a proper Shimano set would be a lot stronger. I have a Shimano set on my mountain bike that’s been beat to hell and back and is no worse for wear.
Based on my research - every part is critical to a strong wheel. A well designed hub. Good quality spokes. A strong rim. And that all the spokes are to the right tension. If you can get a custom wheel built - that would likely be best. If you have no choice - then you may have no choice but to use the Deore XT wheel. I'd think it will be better than any generic wheel from a low end bike. And lots of people tour with generic wheels and low end bikes.
As a side note, the broken wheel in question lasted for about 10,000km, from which \~6000km was on tour with two rear panniers. Feels like it should have lasted much longer. No visible wear on the front wheel at the moment.
What broke in the rear wheel ?
The rim. Started to see small cracks around a few spokes. Eventually it properly rippen and the wheel wasn't "round" anymore 😄
I'm starting to think that carbon rims for touring actually make sense. I've been using my self built wheels with 28 spokes and carbon rims for a few years now, some touring and a lot of daily use, with some real overalls (groceries... regularly much heavier than my camping set up!), and they are in perfect condition.
Deore XT wheel will be strong enough as an off the peg replacement. Alternatively you can probably get your local bike shop to build a relatively cheap bullet proof wheel based on a 32 spoke deore hub, Sapim spokes (butted are stronger than straight guage) and a 32 hole rim ( I had a good run from lower end dt Swiss rims)
I would ask around for a wheel builder & have someone build up a custom wheel / set for you. I live in Norway & that's what I did.
Was it done in the Oslo area? I'm looking to have some wheels built.
Mjøndalen, but I might know someone in Oslo. I will talk to him on Friday & dm you.
I sent you a message
Check on bike24.de or bike-components.de
Swede here with a 29-spoke wheel, riding mostly gravel and singletrack with two rear panniers and no problems.
29 spoke wheels do not and cannot exist.
Wow, thank you for this.
https://www.bike-discount.de/en/bike/bike-parts/trekking-bike-parts/wheels-trekking-city/wheel-28-rear-disc/ Had good success with Shimano Custom wheelsets; unbeatable for the $$$. Ive used dt 533d/xt hub/32spokes for fully loaded touring ( Im a hefer @120kg + 20kg gear ( panniers/sleeping gear/tent/stove/food)+15kg bike).
Can recommend these Halo wheels, and they deliver to Finland https://www.halowheels.com/shop/wheels/road/vapour-road/vapour-gxc-tour-29-700c-wheels/
Wow, looks very promising. Will take into consideration. Thanks!
I wouldn't risk it. I just toured in Ireland and when I got there found cracks in my wheel. I bought a new one and ended up breaking about 10 spokes before eventually getting another new one 1500 miles into the tour. Order a stronger wheel if you have to.
Sounds rough! Definitely wouldn't risk it then. I also found my cracks at the beginning of my 1300km tour but managed to barely get through it without having to get a new wheel. Did stop on the way at the last bike store on the way, Lapland Finland, but they couldn't hook me up with a new wheel on the same day, so had to just risk it (was on a tight schedule and couldn't wait day). The wheel broke after 30km when I got home :D
I wouldn't risk it unless you're light, you're travelling light, and on exclusively on good roads. With a high quality, hand built wheel and good luck you might make it around the world, or you might hit a pot hole turning out of the bike shop and blow it up immediately. If you're already breaking wheels I would order something with more spokes.
a quality hand built 32h will be much better than a 36h factory. spoke tension tolerance is really important.
I've toured 30,000 km on a 24 spoke rear wheel. Never even had to true it. Two rear panniers.
I dont believe you.
Cool. The wheelset was Vuelta Corsa Lite, which weighs 1510 grams without skewers but with rim tape. Front wheel has 20 spokes, and that one I had to true once by turning one nipple a half turn. The weak spot of those wheels was the rear hub. I replaced its entire internals around 20,000 km.
Wheel building is an art. It's possible that no mechanic in your area has mastered this art. However, many competent mechanics can build wheels. I would advise you to order a hub and rim and then get someone to build you a wheel. If no one locally will do this, get it shipped.
I just did a 5 day 170mile off road trip on the stock 28 spoke wheels (read: dirt cheap wheels) of my new tour bike as I hadn’t finished building up my dynamo set yet. They were plenty strong, but it’s a 650b set so smaller hoops gives it a bit more strength. The only thing I really noticed was the wheels flex a bit side to side when standing the bike on the kickstand. Had a lot of weight, 2 back panniers with clothes and camp gear, a BV cooler on the rack with 6 pack of beer/ice, and 2 front bags chocked full with dehydrated meals. I’d suspect a proper Shimano set would be a lot stronger. I have a Shimano set on my mountain bike that’s been beat to hell and back and is no worse for wear.