Bikepacking / gravel wheel build question - Kinlin XC279

[Erik_A]

I am planning a bikepacking/ gravel wheel build with 32 spoke Kinlin XC279 rims. They seem to have almost the exact same design as the HED Ardeness (see images below). It is the same width, and is a little bit deeper than the HED rim, so it should be a little bit stronger than the Ardeness (I am a big guy 6'-4" 225lbs).

Question: What spokes would you recommend for bikepacking/ gravel riding?

Kinlin XC279 Specifications:

-Weight- 490 grams per rim
-External Width- 23mm
-Internal Width-17.2mm
-Depth- 28mm
-ERD (Effective Rim Diameter)-584mm
-Material- Niobium/Aluminium

See comparison here:
http://blog.fairwheelbikes.com/reviews-and-testing/alloy-rim-roundup/

http://kinlin.com.tw/xc-279/

http://wheelbuilder.org/kinlin-xc279.html

[MikeC]

What size tires will you run?  At what pressures?  Tubeless?  Carrying what sort of (average) load?

[clydeone]

Rim brake or disc brake?

[trail_monkey]

I have built 2 sets of wheels to my credit. They both have turned out beautiful and have stood up to some miles and some beatings. I am certainly no expert but both mine have standard double butted spokes. I think they are probably as strong as anything. I assume you was asking about what style or are u asking what brand?

[bakerjw]

If you're bikepacking then IMHO...
Tubeless is the only way to go.
Disk brakes are the only way to go.

That all said, I was extremely happy with a wheel build on Stans Arch EX rims. My complete load with myself included tops 250# and the rims are rock solid. Also, I can get them to seal with a hand pump. The rims that you show are quite narrow. I would prefer something wider but I run 2.1" WTB Nano tires.

Lots of questions to be asked and answered.