Originally Posted by
FBinNY
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.
That was what I was thinking, but suddenly comparing various configurations became so straightforward that I began to wonder if I was missing something.
It would for instance hint that many (MTB) front wheels might be seriously overbuilt. If you get away with a 32H 1.8 mm DS/1.5 mm NDS for instance, then something like a 24H 2.0 mm or 28H 1.8 mm stands a fair chance of holding up at the front - assuming that front wheels really do lead an easier life than the rear wheels.