Originally Posted by
mihlbach
SS/FGers should actually be able to get away with fewer spokes than roadies because of the rear wheel's lack of dish. Personally, I ride a 24/28 spoke combo on road and fg with no probs, and I'm 205 pounds. If you are sure that you are going to get a quality build, and you don't plan on seriously abusing your wheels, you can get away with less than 32.
+1
I really like my Velocity Aerohead rims with Formula hubs. Strong, weight is good, price was good. The Mavic Open Pro rims are good stuff. Mavic also makes the Open Sport rim for less money that's also nice.
My road bike has Shimano wheels; the rear is 24 spokes in a 2-cross pattern, the front is a 20-spoke radial. I weigh 150.
I'm hopping more curbs and steps with my ss/fg bikes so I prefer a 3-cross pattern in the back. 32 spokes 3x is a nice strong wheel. Front is 28 spokes in a 2-cross pattern.
Check out the Roadie forum for more info. Every day they get lots of "I want cheap and light". You can get cheap, you can get light. You can get cheap and light but don't expect durable to be part of it.