Heavier riders can be hard on wheels. Clydesdale/Athena riders need to look at a few factors when choosing wheels: get a strong rim, build with more spokes, select butted spokes and use brass nipples. I sometimes hear the suggestion that straight gauge spokes are better for these applications but untrue! Spokes break from fatigue and breakage usually occurs near the elbow. A butted spoke has a thinner middle section, which is more elastic. This redirects flex from the danger zone to a less risky part of the spoke. This means better durability even though weight may be lower.

Here’s a classic example: Velocity Deep V rims in 32f/36r, Shimano 105 hubs, and butted spokes.