is this normal???-broken spokes

[mudgirl]

It seems like every 3rd or 4th ride I go out on, I end up coming back with 1-3 broken spokes. It happens in either the front or back wheel, so it's not just one of them. I like to keep both wheels "on the ground," so to speak, so it's not like I'm flying through the air and landing hard. I do ride down hills, through rough, rocky, rooty terrain with marginal drop-offs (8" high at most) at a pretty fast speed, though.... The wheels are Sun rims CR18, that came stock on the bike (Specialized Rockhopper).

[Wumpus]

How old are the wheels? Sounds like you had a few loose spokes or warped rim and the uneven tension started snapping them(I assume they are breaking at the crook at the hub). It is probably time to either relace the hub or get a new wheel.

[mudgirl]

That is exactly where they're breaking!!! Yes, I've had several broken spokes over the past year & a half, and the wheel has gotten *very* out of true a couple times. It's been happening moreso in the last 2-3 months. I guess it's just time to buck up for new wheels.... Thanks!