I've had both cast and spoke wheels for many years. On my last bike I put some American Wheel 100 spoke twist wheels. What a mistake! When up in Hill City (two miles from) my rear tire blew out. No one could fix it. It ended up costing my around $700. for a tire and rim. My current bike has / had factory spoke wheels (Electra glide). I'm jerking those suckers off and putting Harley cast slotted wheels on it - durable and low maintenance. Wire wheels are great if you're riding in town, but not for touring!