re: [CR]Weight/# of Spokes

(Example: Production Builders:Cinelli:Laser)

In-Reply-To: <000401c28397$a1618b60$ece70044@elman1>
References: <a05010406b9eb4e59f87e@[165.121.25.119]>
To: classic list <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
From: "Roy H. Drinkwater" <roydrink@ptd.net>
Subject: re: [CR]Weight/# of Spokes
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 19:47:50 -0500

Eric asked:
>Are there any standard guidelines used to determine the best number and
>gauge of spokes based on a riders weight and ride style? If not, what are
>the typical factors used to determine spoke count and gauge? I weigh in at
>a light 180 and fluctuate all the way up to 195 on occasion. I tend to go
>for short (15-25 mile) but quick rides. I rarely will go more than 40 miles
>in one ride. I travel on roads that are fairly nice and smooth. I never
>ride with bags, panniers, etc.

IHMO, within the Classic Rendezvous period, that 36 spokes were the most common number for the weight range you mention. Today's wheels get by with fewer spokes by utilizing stronger and heaver rims.

Roy "building wheels" Drinkwater Lititz, "yes, it's cold out" PA