Isn’t it convenient how we assume that more spokes automatically mean a stiffer and more reliable wheel? But what about factors like lateral stiffness or the quality of the rim itself? If a 24-spoke wheel is properly tensioned, can it actually outlast a poorly made 36-spoke wheel on a gnarly descent? Or are we just pretending that spoke count is the magic number? What’s the real balance between spoke design and the rider's skill?
