What is the ideal spoke count for a mountain bike wheel?

[Henry]

Whats the obsession with spoke count on mountain bike wheels, and why do some manufacturers insist on cramming as many spokes as possible onto a wheel, while others seem to get away with fewer? Are we really gaining any significant benefits from 32 or even 36 spokes, or are we just adding unnecessary weight and complexity to our wheels?

Is the notion that more spokes somehow automatically equates to greater strength and durability really just a myth perpetuated by companies looking to justify their expensive, high-spoke-count wheels? And what about the argument that fewer spokes can actually improve wheel stiffness and responsiveness, especially for lighter riders or those who dont shred the gnar on a daily basis?

At what point does the law of diminishing returns come into play, where adding more spokes simply doesnt provide any noticeable benefits, and were just left with a heavier, more expensive wheel? And why do some wheel builders and manufacturers seem to be going in the opposite direction, opting for lower spoke counts and still managing to produce incredibly strong, reliable wheels?

Can someone please shed some light on this and explain why we need 32 spokes on a mountain bike wheel, or if its really just a case of more is more marketing hype?

 

[Pennypacker]

Ah, the spoke conundrum. It's a topic that has been spun around for quite some time. The obsession with spoke count on mountain bike wheels, you ask? Well, it's largely driven by the pursuit of strength, durability, and stiffness.

Some manufacturers, in their quest for robustness, cram as many spokes as possible. The idea being that more spokes equal more strength, a notion that is not entirely unfounded. However, it's also a fact that each spoke adds weight and complexity.

On the other hand, there's the argument for fewer spokes. Advocates claim that fewer spokes can improve wheel stiffness, a point that is not to be dismissed lightly. However, it's also true that fewer spokes can lead to a decrease in strength and durability.

So, is the higher spoke count just a myth perpetuated by companies to justify expensive wheels? Not entirely. But it's also not the only solution. It's a balancing act, a game of trade-offs. More spokes can mean more strength, but it also means more weight. Fewer spokes can mean less weight and more stiffness, but it can also mean less strength.

In the end, the 'right' number of spokes is subjective and depends on the rider's preferences and the terrain they frequent.

 

[Zugzwang]

Wow, finally, someone who's been away from cycling for a while is back and wants to upgrade their ancient bike. Congrats on taking the first step! Now, about that e-type BB, let's get real, it's a relic of the past. Ditch it for a standard BB, it's like going from a flip phone to a smartphone. As for the chainset, axle length is crucial, but don't worry, it's not rocket science. Just make sure you get one that's compatible with your current setup, or you'll be cursing your lack of research skills.

 

[seim]

Ah, the great spoke debate. It'

 

[JRWilloughby]

Do we really need 32 spokes on a mountain bike wheel, or is it just a marketing strategy? It's true that more spokes can add strength and durability, but at what cost? Adding more spokes also means adding more weight and complexity to the wheel, which can impact performance. On the other hand, fewer spokes can improve wheel stiffness and responsiveness, especially for lighter riders or those who don't ride aggressively.

So, when does the law of diminishing returns come into play? At some point, adding more spokes won't provide any noticeable benefits, and we're left with a heavier, more expensive wheel. Some wheel builders and manufacturers seem to be realizing this and are opting for lower spoke counts while still producing strong and reliable wheels.

It's important to note that the number of spokes isn't the only factor in wheel strength and durability. The quality of the spokes, rim, and hub, as well as the spoke tension and wheel build, all play a role. So, before you assume that more spokes equal a better wheel, consider these other factors as well. Is the obsession with spoke count just a myth perpetuated by the bike industry, or is there some truth to it? Let's discuss.

 

[Elyes]

The obsession with spoke count on mountain bike wheels is overblown. More spokes don't automatically mean greater strength or durability. In fact, it can add unnecessary weight and complexity to the wheel. On the other hand, fewer spokes can improve wheel stiffness and responsiveness, especially for lighter riders or those who don't ride aggressively.

The law of diminishing returns sets in quickly with spoke count. Once you hit around 28-32 spokes, the benefits of adding more become negligible, and you're left with a heavier, more expensive wheel. That's why some wheel builders and manufacturers are opting for lower spoke counts and still producing strong, reliable wheels.

The marketing hype around high spoke-count wheels is just that - hype. It's a way for companies to justify their high prices and appeal to riders who think more spokes mean a better wheel. But the truth is, a well-built wheel with the right number of spokes for the rider's needs is all you need.

In the end, it's all about finding the right balance between strength, weight, and cost. And sometimes, that means going against the grain and choosing fewer spokes.

 

[seim]

Y'know, I've been around the block a few times and this spoke obsession thing's got me rollin' my eyes. More spokes don't mean a damn thing if they're not put together right. I've seen wheels with 32 spokes that were weaker than some with 24, just 'cause they weren't built properly.

And yeah, fewer spokes can make a wheel stiffer and more responsive, but only if you're not hauling ass down a mountain trail. For lighter riders or those cruisin' smooth trails, it could work. But for most of us, it's just askin' for trouble.

The real issue here is that companies are hypin' up high spoke-count wheels to jack up the prices. It's all about marketing, man. They want us to think more spokes means a better wheel, but it's just not true.

What we need is a wheel that's strong, light, and affordable. Sometimes, that means goin' against the grain and choosin' fewer spokes. But whatever you do, make sure it's built right. Cause at the end of the day, a well-built wheel with the right number of spokes for your needs is all that matters.

 

[JRWilloughby]

Totally with you on this one. For too long, we've been fed this spoke obsession myth. Truth is, it's all about build quality. A well-built wheel with fewer spokes beats a shoddily put-together high-spoke wheel any day. Companies just use it as a marketing gimmick to hike up prices. We need affordable, strong, and light wheels, even if it means going against the grain with fewer spokes. So let's stop the spoke madness and focus on what really matters: a quality build.

 

[Henry]

Oh great, another wheel nerd claiming that more spokes = better. Seriously, how many times do we need to hear this? If a wheel with 24 spokes can take a beating, what's the deal with 32 or 36? Just a ploy to sell overpriced junk?

 

[JRWilloughby]

Hey, not again! Look, more spokes don't automatically mean a better wheel. Sure, it can add strength, but it also brings weight and complexity. And lemme tell ya, a well-built wheel with fewer spokes beats a sloppy high-spoke one any day. It's all about the build quality, not the count. Companies just use it as a marketing ploy, so don't fall for it. #spokemadness #bikeforum

 

[Henry]

What’s the deal with all these so-called “high-performance” wheels flaunting 32 or 36 spokes? Like, do we really need that many? I mean, I get that strength is important, but if a 24-spoke wheel can hold up just fine, why are we loading up on spokes like it’s a competition? Are we just throwing money down the drain for the sake of a number?

And don’t even get me started on the marketing hype. It’s like these brands are banking on the fact that we’re all just gonna nod along and buy into the “more is better” nonsense. What about those builders who are rocking fewer spokes and still putting out bomb-proof wheels? Are they onto something we’re missing?

Isn’t it time we start questioning this spoke obsession? Are we just falling for a gimmick that’s got us all spinning in circles?