Is there a general consensus as to the load capabilities of various spoke counts? I know, rim section has a lot to do with it, so lets keep this to more traditional box section rims (i.e. Open Pro's, or Relex's if we're talking tubular...). So, something like 28H good for up to 160#, 32H up to 200#, 36H up to 240#... Or, as is the usual, is this a moot point and I'm wasting my time thinking this way?

Other than rim depth, it has a lot to do with front vs. rear wheels regarding weight distribution, now much dish the wheel has (if any), terrain, use, riding style.

Basically, there's no real reason to eliminate spokes. They hurt so little and add so much value.

I agree whole heartedly, I've never been a big fan of the low spoke count modern uberwheels, the wheels I ride the most have 36 spokes front and rear...

The reason for this post is that my brother is comming up to vist from Florida, and he wants to ride up here in the mountains. He's flying into Atlanta, so he'll have to borrow one of my bikes. The bike I'd like to lend him is set up with 32 spoke wheels, ambrosios and Conti Sprinters. I could set up a different set of wheels, but it would be a bit of work... He says he's 225#, but he looks bigger than that to me... Maybe we just need to ride the mountain bikes...

If you take the finesse of the rider out of the formula you will have only a vague rule of thumb.

32 spoke wheels will hold up just fine for a vacation. I'd maybe start to worry about them after a year or two of use. Many people in that weight range ride 32H wheels full time without incident after several years. I like my wheels to last 30K miles, and I wouldn't imagine a 32H rear would manage that under a 225# rider on mountain roads.

You might ensure that they are evenly tensioned (just pluck). If they are out a bit, have a shop retension and stress relieve. If they look at you funny when you ask, find a different shop.

Other than that, don't sweat it. They'll be fine.

Shouldn't be a problem. I've ridden 32 spoke wheels for ages and I'm around 225#. My wheels don't crumple like 'tater chips after a few thousand miles. I do use 36 spoke wheels for touring but the load is a lot bigger.

HAs anybody ever seen a quantitative test of wheel strenght vrs number of spokes? All I ever see is peoples opinions, which even though born of experience I would like to see some real test results.

This would be a good place to look:

https://www.amazon.com/Bicycling-Scie...dp/0262731541/