Mountain Biking - Question on strength of wheels

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View Full Version : Question on strength of wheels


robow
12-06-07, 03:57 PM
A question for you mountain bike know-it-alls: I have two pair of wheels, one is a 32 spoke stock Bontrager wheel that came on a 2006 Trek 6500 and the other pair is a Ritchey WCS wheel with only 28 spokes. Which of these wheels is stronger and more resistant to breaking spokes with a heavy load on the rear? or is it a wash. Thanks for your thoughts and experience.


Ricardo
12-06-07, 07:50 PM
Ceteris paribus (other variables kept constant); the 32-spoke wheel would be stronger.

Ricardo

cachehiker
12-07-07, 01:31 PM
Get the spoke tension checked.

I think the quality of the original build and subsequent retensioning and truing will determine which is the tougher wheel.