Low spoke count wheels?
 

I really like the look of low spoke count wheels but don't know much about them. I also don't really see them on fixed gear bikes. What's the story? Is it possible to get a 20 or 24 spoke wheel set for a fixed gear ride? What's the advantage/disadvantage of these wheels? I presume strength is an issue? What if I'm a average urban commuter? Can I get Deep Vs with 20 or 24 spokes? Thanks

(I'm completely new to fixed gear bikes and I'm not a gear head (but I think I'm on my way). I've had the same bike (Santana Moda) for the last 10 years and commute on it every day. I've decide to build a fixie for something new to ride. I just bought a second hand IRO frame from the BikeForums Group Buy and will probably have a few questions as I try to decide how to build it up...Thanks for the help)

A 36 spoke tubular can be lighter and stronger. Don't mess with low spoke count wheels. They are all fluff and no stuff. It is a real PIA to true a low spoke wheel. The tension is often and always so absurdly high.

most track hubs don't go below 28h for a reason.

mavic ellipse: 20 front-20 rear. cane creek volos is like 20/24 or something.

If you don't weigh 110lbs. Don't even consider low spoke count wheels on a commuter.

I use a 24/28h on my single speed (which I commute on) and a 24/20h on my road bike with no issues (150lbs and don't jump curbs). No reason you cannot do that on a FG bike, but you do get more flex on the low spoke count wheels when compared to 32/36h 3x spoked wheels.

As for 36h tubulars being lighter; Does this take into consideration the extra tire you have to carry around in case of a flat? I personally would never ride a tub on the road unless I was racing or had motor support.

What about radially lacing? Something like this http://velospace.org/node/211 ?

Can't open link but I have a set of:
Campy Record High Flange road hubs
Front 28h Radial Laced 14/15 DB spokes w/ alloy nips
Rear 36h Radial Non-Drive, 3x Drive 14/15 db spokes w/ alloy nips
Mavic Reflex Rims

Wheels have been perfect for many miles. Dispite what people on the SS/FG forum say, radial is fine for a vast majority or riders. Its not great for extra heavy riders or those who can't bother themselves to watch what they run over. Other than that, I have tons of miles on radial laced wheels w/ zero issues

I have a Performance Forté front wheel on my singlespeed. 16 spokes. Looks cool and it has held up extraordinarily well all-considered, but man can it be squishy...and I only weigh 140 lbs.

I commute on tubulars-- but I am carrying so much crap that the weight really is not an issue... nor is carrying an extra tire.

But who cares about weight anyway on a fixed gear? They suck on hills--- up or down.

I weigh 210 and got sick of trueing my ellipses after a month

it all depends on quality as far as i'm concerned. i ride a rolf vector pro (pre trek ripoff) and at 160 pounds, daily riding, beater use and bad weather it's still perfectly true. it has 14 spokes and the the nipples are inside the rim so it would be a ***** to true anyway.

Want a low spoke count?

Get a Tri-Spoke

i'm not a fan of radial lacing. i think it looks ridiculous.

i have a high-flange radially laced front wheel, and a lowflange 3cross front wheel. guess which one offers a smoother ride? the 3cross wheel rides "normal," whereas the radial wheel really transmits a lot of impact up into my hands - particularly on my steep-angled track frame.

the extra tire you carry is not rotating mass.

I think you and I are the only two who think this.

I won't drop below 32 on anything I ride, but I'm known to beat the crap out of anything I can get my hands on.