Originally Posted by
Psimet2001
32 and 36 is near meaningless without knowing rider weight and materials and application.
Old rims with old alloys and shallow low area moment of inertia were always overspoked for a normal rider weight to help offset the overall flex in the rims and to help adequately support the load/rim. Yes adding spokes to a wheelset will help increase the fatigue life of each spoke. So why don't we all just ride around on 400 spoke wheels? Because the more you add the heavier the wheel gets making it feel sluggish and the overly abusive the ride starts to feel.
Proper spoke count takes into account the rider weight and the rims. Its the right amount that adequately support the rim, give the system a reasonable durability (fatigue life), and still respond well when riding (stiff but not harsh). That comes from the rim support. enough but not too much.
So just throwing out "I have 32/32 and 36/36 and don't carry a spoke" is a bit like saying, "My road car has a 3.8L engine and I don't carry extra coolant in case I overheat. It's never been a problem."
OK, some more data:
Rider weight: 69kg
Rims: Mavic / Vuelta shallow aluminum alloy
Spokes: ACI Alpina stainless 2/1.8/2mm
32 built cross 3, 36 cross 4
Tires: 23mm at 90/95psi F, 100/105psi R
Use: always on pavement, solo and group rides, lifting weight off saddle at bumps, etc.
I built those wheels myself, one pair has about 16000kms and the other about 25000, never had a problem with them except once - a brick fell from a pickup truck and I passed over it, front wheel went slightly (about 3mm) out of true. I was able to ride back home and true it again.
Of course my experience is very limited, only built about 40 wheels or so, but these have performed well so far.