[theredjar04]

Hi, planning to upgrade to a wheel with a 9 speed-ish hub, and was wondering if this one (Shimano 29F MT500 QR) was any good, and a clarification on what speeds the hub on this could take? Coming from the stock bontrager wheel on a marlin 5. Thanks!

See attached for specific wheel

 

[huckleberry hound]

24 spokes on a 29"rear wheel, No Thanks. Ain't no way I would do that.

 

[theredjar04]

I can’t seem to find anything else with more in that price range, what are the risks of only 24 spokes?

 

[huckleberry hound]

It is a big rim with not much support. On top of that it will be a machine built wheel that will more than likely unevenly tensioned. The rear wheel on a hardtail gets the most abuse. The 24 spokes are not going to handle the abuse of trail riding. It might be okay for a paved bike path but not much else.
You might luck out and find a wheel with a 32 spoke Shimano M525 hub for around $100 USD .