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Old 03-04-11 | 07:44 AM
  #34  
sced
South Carolina Ed
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Greer, SC

Bikes: Holdsworth custom, Macario Pro, Ciocc San Cristobal, Viner Nemo, Cyfac Le Mythique, Giant TCR, Tommasso Mondial, Cyfac Etoile

Originally Posted by urbanknight
My point is that this "matrix" would be huge because of the number of possible combinations. Of course, Psimet or any other reputable wheel builder could spend numerous hours coming up with such a database, but even if they did, it would be widely scrutinized by others because it's all just theory and personal experience.

Back when they had pretty much only box rims and straight gauge spokes, I actually had a general rule. I think it was something like 36 spokes for people over 220, 32 for 180-220, 28 for 120-180, and 24 for under 120. Even that had a catch, though, where I subtracted 20 lb for super light rims. Of course, this was also possibly a little conservative, as I didn't want someone coming back to me with a collapsed wheel and a JRA story. Anyway, when they started making deep section rims and various types of materials and construction, my general rule went out the window.

So sure, you could make a general rule, but it would be pages long and all based on personal opinion. I think this is why builders prefer to consult with individual people than try to publish some sort of list.
People, and even experts, can't handle real complexity. As a practical matter with fashion/bling aside, each wheel builder probably has a limited number of designs that he knows will work reliably for particular applications (maybe < 20) to accommodate a limited number of customer requirements (maybe half a dozen). The details "all based on personal opinion" will vary between builders, but generically the designs will have a lot of overlap.
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