Spoke count - handbuilt wheels

magliaceleste

I'm in the process of getting a spec together for some handbuilt wheels. They will have pimpy hubs, IRD cadence rims and CX-Ray spokes.

These are summer wheels for the best bike. Sportives UK and elsewhere and general riding/training.

I've been advised by the builder (one frequently mentioned on here ) that based on my weight I should be OK with 24/28 spokes.

I'm almost considering tubulars as an alternative too but not sure I can be bothered with the faff and any puncture disasters.

Does anyone have any experience to share with a simlar set-up. I'm between 10.5 and 11 st.

Thanks

GavH

The whole spoke count thing is something that has only occurred to me recently as important. I'm currently riding Shimano WH-R550's with a 16/20 count and so far no problems whatsoever, depsite constantly hitting things I shouldn't due to being distracted by my 705. Until I looked at some wheelbuilding sites I didn't even think that such a low count may be an issue. I'm 80kgs at present although typically I'm normally c.75kg. The one thing I have noticed about my wheels is the lack of lateral stiffness. They almost feel like jelly when out of the saddle and trying to smash it up a hill.

I'd guess you'd be fine on 24/28, the very count I was considering for a Powertap build. I'd be interested to hear what the various opinions are.

Monty Dog

The cadence is a semi-aero rim and therefore strong enough to cope with the slightly lower spoke count - build quality and even tension is more critical as you reduce the number of spokes an a reputable builder should keep things sweet. Tubular / tyre choice is as much down to how often you plan to use them - if you're going to rack up the miles in all sorts of conditions, then choose clinchers.

magliaceleste

Thanks guys.

@GavH, the rear is going to be a PT SL. Front probably Extralite SL

@MontyDog - Just to clarify, I'm on about Cadence not Cadence Aero.

I've just got to get my head around the aesthetics of a black front hub with a silver/black PT rear