I think when the metallurgy on rims got better, including the profile.
This made the wheel "stronger" so that 32 equalled 36 in new equipment and
enjoys 4 spokes less turbulence.
Weight may be a wash on alloy rims but with the new ugh off list
unmentionables spoke count went down to 16/18/20 + depending.
For our timeline purposes however, I think my first comments are pretty
close to the mark.
Ted Ernst
Palos Verdes Estates
CA USA
> When did the "standard" change from 36H to 32H? And beyond that question,
> why?
>
> My precious "Masi water bottle" is up on eBay. I don't have my Carlsbad
> Masi
> anymore, so I figured I'd let the water bottle go.
>
> Wes Oishi
> Los Angeles (via Como St and Skypark Circle)