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Hi all
I bought a Surly Krampus frame and I want to lace new wheels. I would like to buy Raceface Arc Offset i40 29" rims and DT 350 hubs, but I'm not sure if I should go for 28 or 32 holes. I weigh around 165 lbs (75 kg) and will not carry more than 22 lbs (15 kg) food and equipment.
I want to use the wheels for long distance bikepacking like the GDMBR, OTT, AZ, CT, but also for mountain bike riding on rugged trails and rock gardens. Until now I have maybe broken 3 spokes in 20 years, but I've only ridden 26" wheels with 28 and 32 spokes.
I think that 28 spoke should be fine for my weight, but since I have no experience with 29" wheels I wonder if they will be strong enough and reliable.
What do you think?
A lot comes down to how well the wheels are built - the benefit of 29+ is that the big tyres do protect the wheels from abuse better than smaller diameter ones. However, the ability of the bigger tyres to roll better is that you'll go faster downhill. I would go 32 hole for the extra reliability on longer, multi-day rides where getting bike shop support is days away.
I'd personally go 32°. 32 will suit a 3x build better than 28, which might lead you to a 2x build.
Why a 3x build? Well, we're really going to open up a can of worms here but when I last looked into this, 2x gave marginal gains in rotational rigidity but 3x gave significant gains in lateral rigidity.
IMHO just add the extra 4 spokes, but if you really want go 28 spokes then better to pair it with a slightly deeper section rim.
Slight hijack I’m selling a brand new pair of Spank Oozy 29+ rims
32h 40mm
I think for plus you definitely want a 34 spoke rim on dishless hubs.
I think for plus you definitely want a 34 spoke rim on dishless hubs
34 spokes seems like a very bespoke spoke option.