Originally Posted by
Mr IGH
- Straight gauge spokes make a stronger/stiffer wheel compared to double butted spokes (comparing 2.0 SG to 2.0/1.8 DB).
- The debate over 36/40 hole vs 32 hole rims is over. The MTB market has gravitated to 32H almost exclusively, the stress a MTB wheels receives from a 300lb Clyde is much worse than any touring wheel will experience. All that's available in 36/40 hole rims are old, hook bead rims designs. You get a weaker wheel with orphan hubs (esp with 40H).
I support straight spokes, or butted, both work. The idea straight make stiffer wheels is precisely why guys like Jobst say they wear less well, my thing is that spoke wear is a non-issue (if you any any form a wheelsmith), as jobst is/was on something like 1/2 million miles on the same set.
Straight have some unique advantages. One is that they are easier to build, and I would imagine smart players are doing all they can to make strong wheels that do not require butted spokes. Essentially we are being sold new benefits in gear, that largely are driven by the needs of the manufacturers, and never the needs of tourist. Be careful about sipping the Kool-aid.
You are bringing some interesting ideas to the table about changes in MTB gear. The idea that MTB wear patterns are similar to touring patterns though, renders your comparison meaningless. One is impact the other is fatigue. Even if you are right that 32 hole in these new structures is better than old school 36/40, I doubt there is any evidence that 40 holes in a new style rim would be worse. But as I mention you haven't brought any evidence that passes the laugh test that the new designs are better, though they may be.
On the 40 hole thing I think the OP is making a mistake. You don't buy a tank then put on Barbie training wheels. The best choices in touring gear are always parts that don't break in the first place, or that if they do they are easy to keep on the road. Spoke holders are silly, build the extra spokes into a wheel. Getting the gear up to the point where it is sound again, if one tacos a wheel probably means overnighting parts, or buying a cheap new wheel, neither is precluded by having a 40 spoke hub (thought the wide hub setting on some comos might be a problem, then you really want to go 40 spoke), and it is still a winner on a touring bike. However, how many people need a tank like a como? Less bulletproof stuff works, even under clydes, but if you have a como, you need to see it through.
50% of buying a bike like a como is the cool factor. Few people really need one. I am not certain what all the cool stuff is, but I do know that the people here for the most part don't swing that way. There are tons of people with several versions of essentially similar 1K rides, who never bought a boutique part in their lives. Don't get your style advice from walmart.