Are there any bladed spokes you can run with the Deep Vs and still get a very durable, strong tandem wheel? The LBS finally convinced my stoker that the Rolfs/Bontrager tandem wheels are not such a good idea at our team heft (370). I'm of the opinion that the bladed spokes + low spoke count are most of the problem on those fancy racing wheels anyway. It may not be a good idea to run bladed on the Deep Vs + high spoke count.

At our level (high expense and slow...ie enthusiast) it's all about aesthetics. Not sure what a rear wheel with 40 bladed spokes would look like. The LBS entertained the idea so I must not be too far out there with the idea. Ok...it's really my Stoker-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed's idea. But I must ask anyway.

My AC 420's use a DT bladed stainless spoke. It produces a much stronger wheel than with the normal DT comp spoke.

The bladed part of the spoke is not where it's weak, so bladed vs. round shouldn't be an issue.

I think a 40h Deep-V (well built) is a very, very strong wheel.

I wasn't concerned about the blade portion. I'm not sure what makes a good spoke but comparing the DT alpine III to the aero spokes:

DT alpine III:
Spoke bend Ø 2.34 mm
Narrowing Ø 1.8 mm
Ø Nipple 2 mm

DT new aero:
Spoke bend Ø 2 mm
Narrowing Ø -
Ø Nipple 2 mm

DT aero speed:
Spoke bend Ø 1.8 mm
Narrowing Ø -
Ø Nipple 1.8 mm

DT aerolite:
Spoke bend Ø 2 mm
Narrowing Ø -
Ø Nipple 2mm

The DT Alpine III spokes do not fit most road hubs. I know they fit Shimano XT but I don't think thry fit XTR.

AC 420 with round spokes 210 lb weight limit

AC 420 with DT bladed spokes 225 lb weight limit.

The spoke ends are the same dia.

Yep, I see.