Originally Posted by
melville
If you build a good set of 36 holers now, they should last 20 years with typical use, by which time the 'industry standard' will have gone down to 24 holes. You will have an easier time lacing a 24 hole rim to a 36 hole hub than you will lacing a 24 hole rim to a 32 hole hub.
The hub may last 20 years but, unless you ride only a few miles a year and only in good weather, the rim won't. BTW, 32H rims and spokes have been "standard" since the late '80's to early 90's and that's working on 20 years anyway.