I bought a used rear wheel yesterday. Has 32 DT 2.0mm straight gauge spokes. I do not plan to tour on it, but I am sure that it is more than adequate for riding unladen. Re-greased the hub today, looks great. Rim has a slight wobble, but it should true up easy enough. Disc, so no rim wear.
Originally Posted by
gauvins
... (he writes that while 36 spokes was the norm, he's now riding on 28 spokes front, 32 rear).
....
Decades ago some of the British utility bikes had more spokes in the rear than front. When I built up my Backroad almost two years ago, I used 36 rear and 32 front. I initially planned on 36 front, but the SP hub I was shopping for was hard to find in 36, so I decided that the front wheel on a touring bike has less stress on it so I went with 32. But for a touring bike that is carrying a load, I want 36 in the rear.
Originally Posted by
gauvins
... He also mentions the fact that wider tires contribute to wheel strength.
....
That one I do not get. I can see a wider rim being stronger, but the width of the tire making the wheel stronger? I can see more cushioning from a wider tire, thus less strength is needed.