Yeah, it depends upon the rim. With normal box-section rims, I aim for 80-100 kgf and aero-profile rims about 100-120 kbf. Rims tend to stay straighter and handle more load on the tight end of the spectrum. That's because load on the hub will loosen the spokes at the bottom in contact with the road. With spoke-tension that's too loose, the 3-5 spokes at the bottom lose all their tension. Then this allows the nipples to rattle and unscrew themselves when you hit hard bumps leading to wheels going out of true.
The highest load on wheels is not carrying weight, no matter how heavy you are, the wheels are more than strong enough to carry your weight. It's when you hit bumps suddenly that loads up wheels. Such as hitting speed-bumps or the up-side edge of drainage-ditches at speed. Then each wheel can experience 800lbs of force or more.
Last edited by DannoXYZ; 09-30-05 at 04:13 PM.