 Topic Name: Spoke count
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on: May 04, 2018, 01:49:22 PM
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Joeli7
Posts: 5
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« on: May 04, 2018, 01:49:22 PM » |
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Hi there
I am planning for a long Baja bikepacking trip.
There aren't many bike options in my area (27.5+, HT, 3.0" tires).
One of the options is the "Specialized Fuse Comp 6 Fatty". This bikes meets almost all the requirements but
it has a relatively low 24/28 spoke count. As a comparison, the Jamis DragonSlayer Sport 27.5 uses WTB scraper i40 with 32 spokes.
My question is: would you consider the low spoke count of the Fuse a potential reliability issue?
I am a light person (140lb) but bike will be heavily loaded (mostly water).
Thanks for any wise words you could provide.
Joel
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Topic Name: Spoke count
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Reply #1 on: May 09, 2018, 05:54:48 AM
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bikeny
Posts: 140
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« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2018, 05:54:48 AM » |
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I do think that low spoke count wheels are a liability when taking a long bikepacking trip. On a long trip like that Baja Divide that has very limited resources along the way I think it makes sense to go for reliability, even if it's a bit heavier. Whatever you end up getting, have the wheels gone over by a competent wheel builder after riding them for a while and before your trip.
Oh, and between those 2 bikes I would definitely recommend the Jamis over the Specialized. Advantages of the Jamis include:
Third set of bottle mounts under the down tube for carrying more water
Steel frame should be a little more comfy
Wider range 11-46t cassette
Adjustable dropouts to run singlespeed in case your derailleur explodes in the middle of nowhere
No dropper: not needed on a ride like that, and an extra thing to possibly break
Tubeless rims/tires are a must on the Baja Divide. The specialized might also be tubeless, but it doesn't advertise it.
Better bikepacking geometry: slightly shorter reach and higher stack for a comfy position
The only thing I don't like on the Jamis is the 32t chainring, should be a bit smaller for a long bikepacking trip.
The Jamis is aimed much more at what you want to do, the Specialized is aimed much more at trail riding.
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« Last Edit: May 09, 2018, 06:11:57 AM by bikeny »
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Topic Name: Spoke count
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Reply #2 on: May 17, 2018, 02:22:26 PM
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MikeC
Posts: 321
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« Reply #2 on: May 17, 2018, 02:22:26 PM » |
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At your weight you're not in imminent danger of killing a wheel through stress cycles or abuse.
But wheels do fail -- sticks in the spokes, random flipped rocks, etc... The fewer spokes you have the greater likelihood of possibility here.
I'd ride 'em as is for a ~year while looking for appropriate replacements.
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Topic Name: Spoke count
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Reply #3 on: May 18, 2018, 02:11:56 PM
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Joeli7
Posts: 5
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« Reply #3 on: May 18, 2018, 02:11:56 PM » |
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Thank you for comments! I am a beginner and this is very helpful.
Turns out that Salsa Timberjack (NX or GX) is also available.
I would appreciate your views on Jamis Dragonslayer vs Salsa Timberjack for long bikepacking trip.
btw I have ridden them and both feel great! not a significant weight difference between the two.
J
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