Wheel rebuild or new wheels

Macster1

Hi all,

I have a Rockhopper Pro Disc 2009 model, and it keeps popping spoke nipples, (aluminium). I replace them myself with brass ones and straighten the wheel as best I can. I'm 17 stone, (give or take), and my commute is some road but mostly off road with a lot of flinty type surfaces so lot of vibrations. I do around 2500 - 3000 miles a year

Current wheels are: - Rims: DT-Swiss 445D, 26", double wall disc, pin joint, eyelets, 28/32h. I have replaced about 10 now so am looking at two options: -

1. Rebuild with Sapim race spokes and brass nipples (around £100:00)
2. New [faster rolling] hubs (around £100:00) at a guess
2. Buy a new pair of wheels (Fulcrum Red Metal 3 for £300:00)
4. Buy a cheaper set of wheels (recommendations)?

I have a couple of questions though, my wheels are now 2 1/2 years old, are the hubs/rims fatigued to an extent where new would be better? I don't have a lot of cash to part with but really like the Fulcrum Red Metal 3.

Any opinions welcomed

Thanks

bails87

IF the hubs and rims are still sound then maybe just relace with new spokes, and get them built by a decent wheelbuilder.
If you choose to buy new wheels then Hope hoops (hope hubs with stan's rims) are a decent bet, or the Superstar/Stan's deal.