Tell me about: spokes / spoke count.

[Zed43]

Anecdata: Kinlin XR31 rims (asymmetric both rear and front) with DT350 hubs, 24x Sapim D-Light front and 12/12 D-Light/Laser rear. Disc brakes, 35mm tyres (tubeless); 60kg rider and 13000 km without any issues.

[S2L]

60kg rider and 13000 km without any issues.

Recreational cyclists with BMI lower than 24 are hard to come by... 

[ElyDave]

Really? Most of the nonprofessional cyclists I know would be in that bracket

[S2L]

Really? Most of the nonprofessional cyclists I know would be in that bracket

As I said in an article I wrote for Arrivee magazine, the only Audax event where I have seen a sizeable number of lean cyclists was MC1K.
My BMI is around 23 and I typically stand out for being the skinny one... 

60 kg (as above) is very unusual among male recreational cyclists... the average is definitively closer to 100 than it is to 60 (in other words > 80 kg)

[sojournermike]

Really? Most of the nonprofessional cyclists I know would be in that bracket

As I said in an article I wrote for Arrivee magazine, the only Audax event where I have seen a sizeable number of lean cyclists was MC1K.
My BMI is around 23 and I typically stand out for being the skinny one... 

60 kg (as above) is very unusual among male recreational cyclists... the average is definitively closer to 100 than it is to 60 (in other words > 80 kg)

Perhaps you only know tall people? At 60kg my BMI would be 17.5.

[mrcharly-YHT]

Most people think of me as skinny. When I was at decent cycling fitness, I weighed in at about 82kg. Add typical commuting load (laptop, clothes, food, tools, lock+luggage) and you are not far shy of 90kg.

Really, I wouldn't want to commute on a very reduced spoke count bike. It only takes one twig, or stupid rat (I've had both) in the wheel to seriously ruin your journey. Take one spoke out of 32 and you'll be fine. Might even manage that with a 28 spoke wheel.

Lower than that is pushing it.

[ElyDave]

tallness isn't a major issue for BMI though, nor is shortness in proportion. I'm a middling 70kg/1.75m and nowhere near 24 BMI.  Most cyclists I see are either tall and lean or average like me, the teapots are certainly not >50% of the population I see.

[S2L]

the teapots are certainly not >50% of the population I see.

They are 66% of the population

[ElyDave]

the teapots are certainly not >50% of the population I see.

They are 66% of the population

Agreed, 66% of the total population, not the cycling population I see.

[S2L]

the teapots are certainly not >50% of the population I see.

They are 66% of the population

Agreed, 66% of the total population, not the cycling population I see.

Maybe the one you see is an elite... I don't think there is significant difference in BMI between average population and average population who use a bicycle for recreation...
Maybe you don't get many extremes, maybe you don't get the 30 stone guys, but I have seen plenty of 20 stone ones

[IanDG]

Personally I'd try a tubeless conversion on your existing rims, given that you intend to use high volume tyres it should have a good outcome.

I had wheels built by Spa on my Cross-Check. Basic Exal SP 19 rims, and ran them tubeless last winter. I've gone back to tubes because the only 2 punctures ripped gashes in the side walls so I needed a boot and tube for the repair and (IME) thought it wasn't worth the hassle.

[IanDG]

Most people think of me as skinny. When I was at decent cycling fitness, I weighed in at about 82kg. Add typical commuting load (laptop, clothes, food, tools, lock+luggage) and you are not far shy of 90kg.

Really, I wouldn't want to commute on a very reduced spoke count bike. It only takes one twig, or stupid rat (I've had both) in the wheel to seriously ruin your journey. Take one spoke out of 32 and you'll be fine. Might even manage that with a 28 spoke wheel.

Lower than that is pushing it.

82kg skinny?

I'm 6' 2" and when I was racing (late teens/early 20s) I weighed 65kg. Approaching 60 I'm currently 79kg (I went down to 76kg last summer) 

....and agree even at my weight I'd stick with 36h for general riding.

[mrcharly-YHT]

I was north of 80kg when someone snapped this photo.

[S2L]

Our society's perception has changed through the years and what now is by all means overweight, is considered normality.
If you are 5'9, you only need to be tipping over 12 stone to be overweight.
On the other hand, same stature and 9 stone is still within what is considered normal, although most people would see that as way too skinny