Wheels with different # of spokes?

[kissdznuts]

I'm looking to get a new set of wheels, but the wheels come in 3 different flavors of spoke numbers. After doing some searches on the forums, someone posted that having a lower amount of spokes increases the number of times the wheel needs to be tuned.

Other than tuning intervals, are there any other differences between having a lower amount of spokes compared to having a greater number of spokes? What would be the reason for choosing more spokes or less spokes when purchasing new wheels?

Thanks!

J

 

[daveornee]

I'm looking to get a new set of wheels, but the wheels come in 3 different flavors of spoke numbers. After doing some searches on the forums, someone posted that having a lower amount of spokes increases the number of times the wheel needs to be tuned.

Other than tuning intervals, are there any other differences between having a lower amount of spokes compared to having a greater number of spokes? What would be the reason for choosing more spokes or less spokes when purchasing new wheels?

Thanks!

J

Higher number of spokes makes the wheel stiffer, all other things being equal.
Higher number of spokes spreads dynamic loads over more elements, making spokes, rims, and even hubs last longer.
Higher number of spokes makes it less likely that a twig or other item gets tossed into the wheel and causes an accident/damage to bicycle and/or rider.
Higher number of spokes makes the wheel heavier and slightly less aerodynamic, all other things being equal.

 

[Retro Grouch]

I'm looking to get a new set of wheels, but the wheels come in 3 different flavors of spoke numbers. After doing some searches on the forums, someone posted that having a lower amount of spokes increases the number of times the wheel needs to be tuned.

Other than tuning intervals, are there any other differences between having a lower amount of spokes compared to having a greater number of spokes? What would be the reason for choosing more spokes or less spokes when purchasing new wheels?

Thanks!

J

I think that it makes more sense to think of a wheel as being a system composed of several elements. They all work together and each element, to a degree, affects one's choices concerning the others.

To consider only one element, such as the number of spokes, without taking into consideration the other elements in the system, is probably being too simple minded.

 

[kissdznuts]

I think that it makes more sense to think of a wheel as being a system composed of several elements. They all work together and each element, to a degree, affects one's choices concerning the others.

To consider only one element, such as the number of spokes, without taking into consideration the other elements in the system, is probably being too simple minded.

Given all other factors were the same for the models I were looking at, I was just inquiring on the # of spokes.

Thanks for the answers anyways guys.

 

[sogood]

Higher number of spokes makes the wheel stiffer, all other things being equal.
Higher number of spokes spreads dynamic loads over more elements, making spokes, rims, and even hubs last longer.
Higher number of spokes makes it less likely that a twig or other item gets tossed into the wheel and causes an accident/damage to bicycle and/or rider.
Higher number of spokes makes the wheel heavier and slightly less aerodynamic, all other things being equal.

Then the question comes back to, how stiff a wheel do you need? If you are 100+kg or planning for touring, then yes, go with high spoke count. If you are 60kg and not going to carry loads, then a low spoke count wheel would more than suffice for the application, with weight savings.

 

[GABAjunkie]

A low spoke count wheel looks cool!

 

[kdelong]

A low spoke count wheel looks cool!

Often times they just look broke if you're over 100 kg like me. For me it is usually no less than 24 or preferably 32 with a standard cross 3 spoke pattern. Which brings up another point that no one has mentioned yet.

With some of the more exotic lacing paterns out there, less can mean more when it comes to spokes.

 

[Retro Grouch]

With some of the more exotic lacing paterns out there, less can mean more when it comes to spokes.

Probably has more to do with the rim. Low spoke count wheels have purpose designed rims.

 

[anth]

There is more stress on the back wheel, so you could consider having more spokes there than at the front. I'm assuming that you aren't using disc brakes.

 

[kissdznuts]

There is more stress on the back wheel, so you could consider having more spokes there than at the front. I'm assuming that you aren't using disc brakes.

Roger that - no disc brakes for me. I picked the 32 spoke count because I wanted a more sturdy wheel for longer training rides which commonly take me out to BFE. In this instance, I'll take the little bit extra weight for durability.