It's very fundamental physics.
With the same rim, the rigidity is proportional to the resistance of the spokes to elongation, which in turn is proportional to their cross sectional area (using the same material, and length). So the greater amount of total spoke cross section the more rigid the wheel.
Whether you want fewer fatter spokes, or more thinner spokes may depend on other factors such as aerodynamics or rim rigidity, but with all other things equal the overall rigidity is a function of the total amount of steel X-section you build with.
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Last edited by FBinNY; 05-05-11 at 08:13 AM.