Originally posted by mrfix
[B]Zack
A few things to consider about low spoke count wheels, the spokes are thick and heavier then standard spokes, the rims are heavier and have a larger cross section then rims used on standard wheels, they are more difficult to take care of and true by the home mechanic, and finally, they are not as durable and often weigh more then a 32 spoke cross three wheel.
mrfix: Thanks for the reply. You bring up some very interesting points. I had made an assumption that fewer spokes = lighter wheels and that may not be the case.
a. economics
b. durability
c. potential wheel loading
d. type of riding to be done on the wheel
e. road condition where the wheel will be generally ridden
f. what the customer wants.
Ok my answers would be:
a - Cheap is good
b - I don't want to have to work on the wheels after every ride.
c - Light load < 140 pounds
d - Casual rider - 12 - 15 mph. No racing.
e - smooth. No major potholes, etc.
f - Donna isn't into biking as much as I am so there's a chance she wouldn't even notice a difference between what she is riding now and a new set of wheels.
From the sounds of things I'd be better off to just get her current wheels relaced with a set of ultegra hubs.
Zack