Originally Posted by John E

Vintage wheelsets w/ 32 or 36 spokes/wheel often have a lower moment of inertia (what really counts during acceleration, and the basis for the "ounce off the rims or tires is worth two off anywhere else" axiom) than modern reduced-spoke-count wheelsets, whose sole benefit is reduced aerodynamic turbulence. Contrary to current fashion, the average bicyclist is far better off w/ more spokes per wheel, rather than fewer.