Bikepacking on 28h 27.5+ wheels?
#1
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Bikepacking on 28h 27.5+ wheels?
I'd prefer 32h, especially for the rear, but it seems like 28h is more common, and I found a good deal on some good-looking wheels. The rims are 35 mm internal width, double-butted spokes. I'll probably run 27.5" x 2.8" tires on them.
A-OK or bad idea?
A-OK or bad idea?
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Currently the 27.5 tire option is still, pretty much, in the performance bike (MtB, Allroad) category. So finding nice and expensive wheels with 32 or 36 spokes in this size is unlikely without a custom build up.
Your question has no finite answer, just opinions of the shades of grays. More spokes means less load per spoke. More spokes mean less issues if there should be an issue while miles away from replacements.
My usual answer for these open ended questions is "the wheels will work fine, until they don't" Andy
Your question has no finite answer, just opinions of the shades of grays. More spokes means less load per spoke. More spokes mean less issues if there should be an issue while miles away from replacements.
My usual answer for these open ended questions is "the wheels will work fine, until they don't" Andy
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This is a question for your wheel builder. Not all hub/rim/spoke combinations are at all equal even when built well....and even then it depends on what you and the bike and your stuff weigh
A 130# flyweight with a 20# bike and 30# of stuff would probably be just jake. A 220# rider and a 25# bike and the same 30# of stuff probably wouldn't.
A 130# flyweight with a 20# bike and 30# of stuff would probably be just jake. A 220# rider and a 25# bike and the same 30# of stuff probably wouldn't.
#4
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Can you replace broken spokes in the Bush?
Old is New..
27.5" is 650B , an old French utility bike tire size
uses akin to US 26 ..1.5"
<How about just do it, and report back?>
....
Old is New..
27.5" is 650B , an old French utility bike tire size
uses akin to US 26 ..1.5"
<How about just do it, and report back?>
....
Last edited by fietsbob; 12-04-18 at 10:30 AM.
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I can if I have to, but I'd prefer not to. Only done it once, and it wasn't my bike. I've always road toured on 32h (front and rear) with no issues, not even going out of true.
I'm a small guy and I pack reasonably light, so that helps.
I'm a small guy and I pack reasonably light, so that helps.
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I bought these for $500 from Ibis. I am fairly sure they are 32h.
Ibis 738 Aluminum Wheelset-Boost ? Ibis Cycles Online Store
I have 27.5 x 2.8 Nobby Nics on them.
Mine are boost BTW.
On a different bike, I have two 700c on/off road wheelsets. Both have the same rims, and similar quality hubs. One has a 32 spoke rear wheel and the other has a 28 spoke rear wheel. As far as I am able to tell, the 28 spoke wheel is just as stable. I weigh about 200 lbs with bike clothes, etc., and have put about 35 lbs of gear on the bike (also about 25 lbs with racks, water bottles, etc).
Keep in mind the smaller wheels and fatter tires will work in your favor as well. I think you will be fine with 28 spokes. (If they break, it is likely the quality of the build.)
Ibis 738 Aluminum Wheelset-Boost ? Ibis Cycles Online Store
I have 27.5 x 2.8 Nobby Nics on them.
Mine are boost BTW.
On a different bike, I have two 700c on/off road wheelsets. Both have the same rims, and similar quality hubs. One has a 32 spoke rear wheel and the other has a 28 spoke rear wheel. As far as I am able to tell, the 28 spoke wheel is just as stable. I weigh about 200 lbs with bike clothes, etc., and have put about 35 lbs of gear on the bike (also about 25 lbs with racks, water bottles, etc).
Keep in mind the smaller wheels and fatter tires will work in your favor as well. I think you will be fine with 28 spokes. (If they break, it is likely the quality of the build.)
Last edited by Cyclist0108; 11-30-18 at 12:26 PM.
#7
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https://www.velocityusa.com/product/rims#sizes-tab
QBP-affliated LBS can order "Quality Wheels" that are pretty cheap, most appear to be 32h:
https://www.modernbike.com/s?search=27.5+wheel
#8
Senior Member
re being a small guy and packing light, this is a big bonus. I too am a light guy and 32h 26in wheels have lasted really well with fully loaded touring (40, 50lbs of stuff), using 2in tires---I would run 42f 45r psi, and with 2.8's you'll be able to run much less pressure, so a lot more cushion and give that will make life easier on the wheelset.
#9
Senior Member
Light weight yourself, light packer, large high volume tires, you’ll be fine. Maybe have a shop check them over before the trip, but I personally wouldn’t worry about it. If it makes you feel any better, I did some pretty decent rocky stuff on my 350g rim 650b wheels and have done miles of very rocky stuff with them on my mountain bike(I use the same wheels on both bikes). That was also using a 2” tire, so a lot less cushion than you’re planning to have. They’re 32h wheels, but very light rims, which in should take less abuse than a heavier rim with more material. As long as they’re quality wheels, you should be fine.
#10
Senior Member
Light weight yourself, light packer, large high volume tires, you’ll be fine. Maybe have a shop check them over before the trip, but I personally wouldn’t worry about it. If it makes you feel any better, I did some pretty decent rocky stuff on my 350g rim 650b wheels and have done miles of very rocky stuff with them on my mountain bike(I use the same wheels on both bikes). That was also using a 2” tire, so a lot less cushion than you’re planning to have. They’re 32h wheels, but very light rims, which in should take less abuse than a heavier rim with more material. As long as they’re quality wheels, you should be fine.
Overtightened spokes can lead to cracks in rims, essentially ruining the rim.
#12
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The only time was when the spokes were probably overtightened a bit too much, and a few months later, when cleaning the bike up for winter, I noticed nearly all the driveside spoke holes had cracks, surprising given that I weigh 135 and wasnt packing any more than other trips, ie about 40lbs.
and to mention again, those large tires make a huge diff to putting so much less forces into a wheel due to the lower pressures, and my 32 spoke 26in wheels handled my heavy recemt tours really well with those 2in tires.