Anybody?
32 vs 36 spokes
Which 29er wheel would be stronger and why? A 32 spoke wheel with DT Comp or a 36 spoke wheel with DT Revolution spokes? Given everything else is the same.
Sorry if this has been asked before but I couldn't find anything.
Sorry if this has been asked before but I couldn't find anything.
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
36 hole will be stronger if the spokes are the same
The 36 hole will be stronger if the spokes are the same, but you are looking at using a smaller diameter spoke on the 36 hole. The weight will be less on the 36 hole, the BTI catalog says the DT-Swiss Revolution 2.0/1.5/2.0mm would be 143g @ 32/265mm so at 36 hole it would be 161g, the DT-Swiss Competition 2.0/1.8/2.0mm is 192g @ 32/265mm at 32 hole. The cross sectional area of the minimum diameter (1.5mm) of the DT-Swiss Revolution is 1.766 sq mm 30% weaker than the DT-Swiss Competition which it's cross sectional area of the minimum diameter (1.8mm) is 2.543 sq mm. There are many factors to consider, how close are the spokes to the yield point when they are loaded, how stiff is the rim the spokes are mounted to, a 36 hole will distribute the load over more spokes but if the spokes are close to the yield point they may break, but if you are using the 32 hole set-up then your rim needs to be stronger since the spokes are farther apart. I would say the safe way to go would be to use the 36 hole set-up for maximum strength and weight savings, if the spokes do not hold up you can always use the stronger DT-Swiss Competition spokes. I am a down hill mountain biker and I have used both 32 hole set-ups and 36 hole set-ups with DT-Swiss Champion straight gauge 2mm spokes on both set-ups with the same type of rims and the 36 hole is much stronger, the spokes stay tight longer and the rim stays true.
Erik,
Balle Racing
www.balleracing.com
The 36 hole will be stronger if the spokes are the same, but you are looking at using a smaller diameter spoke on the 36 hole. The weight will be less on the 36 hole, the BTI catalog says the DT-Swiss Revolution 2.0/1.5/2.0mm would be 143g @ 32/265mm so at 36 hole it would be 161g, the DT-Swiss Competition 2.0/1.8/2.0mm is 192g @ 32/265mm at 32 hole. The cross sectional area of the minimum diameter (1.5mm) of the DT-Swiss Revolution is 1.766 sq mm 30% weaker than the DT-Swiss Competition which it's cross sectional area of the minimum diameter (1.8mm) is 2.543 sq mm. There are many factors to consider, how close are the spokes to the yield point when they are loaded, how stiff is the rim the spokes are mounted to, a 36 hole will distribute the load over more spokes but if the spokes are close to the yield point they may break, but if you are using the 32 hole set-up then your rim needs to be stronger since the spokes are farther apart. I would say the safe way to go would be to use the 36 hole set-up for maximum strength and weight savings, if the spokes do not hold up you can always use the stronger DT-Swiss Competition spokes. I am a down hill mountain biker and I have used both 32 hole set-ups and 36 hole set-ups with DT-Swiss Champion straight gauge 2mm spokes on both set-ups with the same type of rims and the 36 hole is much stronger, the spokes stay tight longer and the rim stays true.
Erik,
Balle Racing
www.balleracing.com
You didn't get many answers as the only thing that would be available, in the absence of any way of testing, would be anecdotal "findings" or personal opinions. And in the end - most reasonably sensible wheels perform acceptably well. Go with the norm - 32 holers with Comps. There are good reasons for them getting to be the norm.Minimalist said:Which 29er wheel would be stronger and why? A 32 spoke wheel with DT Comp or a 36 spoke wheel with DT Revolution spokes? Given everything else is the same.
I understand what you are saying but I am partial to 36 spoke wheels because they are more reliable. If a spoke breaks the wheel is not going as much out of true as a 32 spoke wheel.Mike T. said:You didn't get many answers as the only thing that would be available, in the absence of any way of testing, would be anecdotal "findings" or personal opinions. And in the end - most reasonably sensible wheels perform acceptably well. Go with the norm - 32 holers with Comps. There are good reasons for them getting to be the norm.
I have a wheel with 36 spokes and Champion spokes I bought for a tour in Europe. Very glad I did. A spoke broke and I didn't even realize it till much later since the wheel got very little out of true. I am just curious if a 36 spoke Revolution wheel would be as strong (or stronger) than a 32 Comp. Guess I have to built a set and see.BalleRacing said:The 36 hole will be stronger if the spokes are the same, but you are looking at using a smaller diameter spoke on the 36 hole. The weight will be less on the 36 hole, the BTI catalog says the DT-Swiss Revolution 2.0/1.5/2.0mm would be 143g @ 32/265mm so at 36 hole it would be 161g, the DT-Swiss Competition 2.0/1.8/2.0mm is 192g @ 32/265mm at 32 hole. The cross sectional area of the minimum diameter (1.5mm) of the DT-Swiss Revolution is 1.766 sq mm 30% weaker than the DT-Swiss Competition which it's cross sectional area of the minimum diameter (1.8mm) is 2.543 sq mm. There are many factors to consider, how close are the spokes to the yield point when they are loaded, how stiff is the rim the spokes are mounted to, a 36 hole will distribute the load over more spokes but if the spokes are close to the yield point they may break, but if you are using the 32 hole set-up then your rim needs to be stronger since the spokes are farther apart. I would say the safe way to go would be to use the 36 hole set-up for maximum strength and weight savings, if the spokes do not hold up you can always use the stronger DT-Swiss Competition spokes. I am a down hill mountain biker and I have used both 32 hole set-ups and 36 hole set-ups with DT-Swiss Champion straight gauge 2mm spokes on both set-ups with the same type of rims and the 36 hole is much stronger, the spokes stay tight longer and the rim stays true.
Erik,
Balle Racing
www.balleracing.com
Then go with a 36.Minimalist said:I understand what you are saying but I am partial to 36 spoke wheels because they are more reliable. If a spoke breaks the wheel is not going as much out of true as a 32 spoke wheel.
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Recommended Communities
