where can i get low spoke count wheels?

Question

im looking for a set of rims/hubs that have a low spoke count, like 16 or something. definately must be black and disc compatible. i dont want to spend an outrageous amount of money either. i have seen XTR rims with 16 holes, but what hubs do i use and where can i get these items?

Answer 1

I agree with an earlier answer in that you do not want a spoke count that low if you are going to use disc brakes. Discs add a great deal more force on the spokes. In fact, it is recommended that disc specific wheels be laced a certain way, and it is much different than a "regular" bike wheel will be laced. By "regular" I am referring to a wheel which is laced for use with V-brakes.

Also, typically, because you are talking about a special lacing, you typically will pay a premium for it. Be prepared to pay at LEAST over $100.00 per wheel.

Check out www.spinlitecycling.com, and www.wheelworld.com

Answer 2

I think that the Shimano XT or XTR wheelsets are one of a kind, they don't sell the rims or hub alone, you've got to get the whole thing.

Another low spokes wheelsets are Mavic (from Crossride, Crossland to Crossmax), and some FSA which are 24 spokes.

However, I don't recomend low spokes. I'm 230 pounds plus clothes plus gear. I had some Crosslands, which I thought were good wheels, until I tried some XT hubs laced to Mavic EX819 rims using 32 spokes.... man, what a difference! The stiffness does help a lot, more confidence building.

I sold the wheelset and I'm currently buying a newer wheelset with 32 spokes.

If you're budget concious, try looking at FSA and Mavic Crosslands or Crossrides. But really look at using standard 32 spokes stuff. Sooner or later you'll want to try another rear hub with better engagement (Mavic has 18 engagement points), like Hope, Cris King, XTR (the 2007 has 36 engagement points), Hadley.

Edit:

I just saw your nick, if you're really into freeriding, I strongly think that you should forget the low spokes. Mavic increased the spokes for their Deemax wheelset from 24 to 28 (the Deemax is Mavic heavy duty wheelset).

Answer 3

First, I would never recommend low spoke count wheels with discs.

Usually, hub/brake manufacturers offer drillings that are safe for use with compatible discs. What you'll likely need to do is to search for the brakes you want, find a compatible hub that has the fewest number of holes, then buy rims to match. You WILL spend big bucks on the setup.

As Keith Bontrager once said, "Cheap. Light. Strong. Choose two."

Most mailorder and web stores that carry high end stuff can also usually build you a set of wheels. Do a little research and find the best product and price for your use.

Answer 4

at your local bike shop ;-)