A wheel is a package deal, in fact, a wheel/rider/bike/road system is a package deal. But so far as the wheel itself goes, some rims allow fewer spokes, all other things being equal. For instance, many tandem teams require 40 or 48 spoke wheels using traditional rims but we've managed with only 36 spokes on our triplet because of a deep section rim, and 32 spokes on our tandem for the same reason. And that's with 700C rims - 26" rims and smaller could sometimes use fewer spokes, all other things being equal.
If you want to limit your choice to a particular brand and model of rim and to a particular type of bicycle, terrain, and riding style, then we might be able to fill in the blanks below.
To relate this to the content of this list, I typically ride vintage sewup rims, Fiamme Ergals and Mavic GEL280's, 700C, in 28 both and 32 holes, for club type, unloaded day riding on good roads and I'm generally easier on bike equipment than most people. Modern rims tend to be heavier and stronger and 32 spokes are usually sufficient for ridings up to 180 lbs. or so. I weigh 150.
-S-
Pugsx2@aol.com wrote:
>
> Can anyone give me some relative advice on relationship between the number of
> spokes per wheel and recommended rider weight?
>
> a) 28 hole rims are meant for a rider of approximately ________lbs.
> b) 32 hole rims are meant for a rider of approximately ________lbs.
> c) 36 hole rims are meant for a rider of approximately ________lbs.
>
> Thank you,
>
> John LeeWong
> Glendale, CA