Help me build some wheels...
 

First ever wheel build. I'm getting some Deep Vs and Formula hubs (unless you got better suggestions for hubs for a fun/commuter bike).

Anyway, since Deep Vs are strong, could I use less spokes? Any spoke count suggestions? I'm 160 lbs and have always used 32-spoke wheels and have not had any problems. I'd like to get away with less if I could. How about just using less spokes on the front since there's not much weight over there anyway? Radial lacing on the front a good idea?

Sorry if these are dumb ?s. I don't know jack yet. Thanks!

If using DeepVs and Formula hubs, weight is not your biggest concern, so why worry about lower spoke count? Go with 32s since you haven't had any problems.

Trying to save weight on spokes is just stupid - it does nothing in the real world and only impresses people who don't know enough to be worth impressing. Just go with the 32 and be done with it.

Both are good components but the DeepVs are a heavy rim and you will probably notice your bike feeling a bit dead. On the other hand, they are bullet proof, pot hole proof and can no doubt survive being run over by an Abrams battle tank. Not a bad choice for a hard working street bike.

The MOST important thing in getting a strong wheel is how it's built. Although experienced wheel builders can get away without using a tension gauge, I recommend using one. Make sure the tensions are even and tight and your wheel will last forever ... or until some git in a battle tank runs over you.

Have fun. Building wheels is THE most satisfying job in bike mechanics.

I'm 200 pounds and ride wheelsets with 24 front, 28 rear using rims that are a lot flimsier than deep Vs. Deep vs are stiff. A few less spokes will make them slightly less dead feeling. The main thing with reduced spoke count wheels is getting high even tension. They are somewhat harder to true that high spoke count wheels, but I have never had a problem with the few wheelsets I have built. Take the time to build them right, use a tensiometer and you'll be fine. You could easily go as low as 20-24.

Hsonplus tb14 oe archetype to formula or novatec hubs

One of your best posts ever. Kudos.

I would maybe do that for a fun-good-weather-pretty-bike, but not on a daily commuter. Sounds scary, maaaaaan.

The thing about custom wheels is you don't have to overbuild them, you don't have to under build them. If you know what your doing, you can build them to be exactly right for you and what you are doing with them.