Originally Posted by
Bill Kapaun
You nailed it. I was about to post the same thing. For straight gauge spokes I would not use 15 gauge (1.8 mm) spokes if it were a heavy rider. I would use 14 gauge spokes, that would be reasonably durable on a 32 hole wheel.
Better yet would be double butted 14/15/14 spokes which are 2.0 at the J bend into the hubs and 2.0 where it connects to the rim, and 1.8 in the middle. Spokes normally break at either end, not in the middle. Having it thinner in the middle also reduces stress on the hub flange. I have had two rear hubs that failed when the flange pulled away from the hub body right at the root of the flange (granted, after many, many miles of riding). One a Dura-Ace 36 hole and one a DT Swiss 32 hole.
If I was you and starting from scratch I'd go 36 double butted spokes in the back with a tough rim like a Velocity Deep-V. That's what I have on both of my most frequently ridden road bikes. Oh and I am 6'7" and about 270 lbs and I create mayhem on bike components
