TheDL

I'm getting ready to have a 26" wheelset made at my LBS and I've got a couple rims in mind that are in my price range. The veneriable Sun CR18 and Salsa Delgado. Now...the thing is I have a new set of WTB Speed XC hubs I can use and they're 32 hole. I can get the Sun and the Salsa rims in 32 hole, laced 3x w/14 gauge spokes.

Ok think about that for a second.....got your decision....good. Now look at this:

My LBS has a package deal with the Mavic F519 (36h) and XT hubs laced with 14g butted spokes. for $180 handbuilt. If the general concenus is that 32h isn't enough, what about these? Only thing is if I get these I have that new WTB hubset just lying around.

And last but not least....alloy vs brass nipples. The Mavic/XT package comes with alloy nipples. If I built up the 32h set would brass be a better choice for strength?

Whadaya all think?

Blackberry

You could be ok with the 32s for short tours or credit card touring--but then again if you're doing serious loaded touring and might be in the middle of nowhere, those extra spokes will give you added insurance. Having ridden on a six-month, 5000 mile self-supported tour of Europe (tent, cooking gear, tools, clothes, etc), I was glad to have 36 spokes. Even then, my wheels were a bit beat up by the end. In fact, a spoke broke--on the very last day.

Noah Scape

Personally, I prefer more spokes when touring. The security of more spokes far outweighs the few grams that a couple of extra spokes adds (pun intended ). But, there are many variables for consideration here. Like, how big are you? What size tires will you use? How much do you carry? What will the roads be like where you’re touring?

In the early 80s before there was a wide selection in tire sizes, I built up some tandem wheels with 48sp on phil wood hubs. That might have been excessive, but I put a lot of carefree miles on those wheels on some pretty rough terrain with 1-1/4 tires, 70-80lbs of gear and 200lbs of rider. Before I built these wheels I had lots of problems keeping a 36 spoke rear wheel under me. I still have the wheels and still use them on my commuter bike. On my touring bike I use 36/40 (700). But, I haven’t done any hardcore touring for a few years. If I do, I will probably slap those wheels on again. There’s nothing worse than being in bumf@#% wherever and having your wheel take-a-dump.

MichaelW

A 26" has a smaller diameter, so 32 spokes give the same effective strength as a 36spoke 700c wheel.
For a week or 2 of camping or lighter hostelling then 32 is fine. For big expeditions, more spokes are always better.

Noah Scape

I have to admit, I don't really track tends in cycling very well, but this move to fewer and fewer spokes really mystifies me - unless you're a serious competitive racer - which I know very little about. What is the advantage of 28 over say 36 or even 40. Is it just that it is lighter, or am I missing something completely. Cause if it is just that it makes your wheel a bit lighter, what would be the weight difference of 4, 8, 12 spokes?

StunningStu

I've been told some of the newer 32 700c Mavic rims are very strong. The design of the rims & angle/pull of the spokes is said to have improved. This combined with having the spokes triple crossed sounds interesting. Could also just be marketing mumbo however....

TheDL

Thanks for all the insight everyone. I think I've decided to go with a pair of 26" 32h Sun 0 Degree XC rims. It may be one of my faults,wanting to be just a little different from everyone else, and use my WTB hubs. Since those are 32 hole...gotta go with 32h rims. The arugement for a smaller diameter rim achieving the same strength with less spokes is interesting, I like that.

So far the intention for my bike is to be the occasional light tourer and commuter. My current lifestyle won't permit me to take any tours longer than 1 week and I wouldn't be self contained.

Anyone else have any experience with WTB hubs? I'd love to hear your experience wit them.

roadfix

Not a whole lot, but since these weight reductions are in rotational weight, they may make differences for some. But for purposes of touring, these few ounces of savings mean nothing for most of us. As stated above, given a choice, I would opt for more spoke count for that added margin of security. I've had no problems with my machine built XT/Mavic XC 26" wheelset, screaming down local off-road fire roads, w/35 lb loads.