Hi guys! I’m planning a big 2 month tour through Norway this summer. I plan to tour on my gravel bike with a traditional pannier setup, but after reading some threads on here I’m a bit concerned about it. Specifically about my wheels. I read that 30+ spokes are recommended, but my wheels only have 24 spokes. They are pretty high quality wheels and I’ve had no issues so far with them, but I only rode the bike loaded for an overnighter, nothing longer yet. These are the wheels: [https://www.reillycycleworks.com/products/strada-all-season-disc](https://www.reillycycleworks.com/products/strada-all-season-disc).
So am I setting myself up for failure here? Will I start popping spokes left and right after a while?
I’d appreciate some input from some more experienced (gravel bike) tourers!
by nikostra
4 Comments
Low spoke count wheels can be quite strong, that’s not really the issue. The issue is if/when a spoke does break, you will be unlikely to adequately true them enough to continue riding. That means you would be stuck right where you are. In the bad old days, that was a huge problem. Today you could probably call an Uber or equivalent and get a lift. Tough call but sometimes you just have to use what you got.
Low spoke count wheels flex more therefore have a greater risk of breaking a spoke.
Before you run out and buy new wheels load the bike with your full load out and do another overnight, making sure you hit some rough stuff and down hills
Traditionally in the bike travel community, popping spokes are like the number one complaint of people who set off with inappropriate wheels.
Depending on where you are in Europe, you may be able to obtain new hubs and rims, and have a master wheelbuilder build the wheel, for fairly cheap. Still a bit over a couple of hundred euro, but the peace of mind is worth it.
Seems most new wheels come with 28 spokes or less. I have a sets of DT Swiss (X1900) alloy wheels that are compatible with touring, gravel and mountain bikes, 28 spoke. I took them on a heavily loaded touring bike on some rough gravel, but mostly smooth gravel or tarmac. No problem.
I just noticed my new gravel bike has DT Swiss G1800 alloy wheels and those are 24 spoke. A trend?