What are or are there any structural or ride differences in rims vs spokes? I like the spoke look and am thinking of buying a spoke rear rim. What are the differences between 40,60,80 spoke rims? What are the good spoke manufacturers in the industry? Thank for your feedback

 

spokes are a pain in the a$$ to clean, I'm thinking of changing my front spoke wheel for a mag rim, but don't have the cash for it yet.
you can get far more than 80 spokes on a rim nowadays if you like that look, I've seen them with at least 100 spokes.
you can also get them in colors which looks pretty cool.

 

The more spokes you get, the harder it is to get inside to clean your HUB etc.......
Use Cycle care 1 whitewall and wheel cleaner and a good tapered brush will
make it easier.
Get a good chrome wheel and stainless spokes.
If you are looking for a nostalgic look....40 spokes is plenty.

Chuck

 

Big downfall to most spoke rims is that you have to run with tubes. If you get a flat, you can't just plug it up and go, you've got to remove the wheel to fix it. But I believe Ride Wright http://www.ridewrightwheels.com/Home.htm and American Wire http://www.americanwire.com/motorcyclewheels.php both have an option for tubeless wire wheels. They are both pretty pricey but have awesome wheels.

 

I have the same dilemma.I want a set of fat radial spoke wheels, but they will be a pain to clean. I am looking at a new set of billet wheels that have the same nostalgic look for my Heritage, I am just waiting on the right deal.

 

I agree to me the biggestdownfallspoke rims is that you have to run with tubes.
If you get a flat, you can't just plug it up and go, you've got to remove the wheel to fix it.
That sounds like a major bummer on a trip.

.........and I agree again spokes would be are a pain in the *** to clean.
I like just being about to just wipe off the brake dust on mine between washings.

 

I thinkthere is a difference between spokes and alloy wheels. I recently pulled my mags off and sent them to the chrome shop to be plated and installed my factory spoke wheels. Same tires and the bike feels a little less stable when leaning in tight turns. I had the wheels trued before I swapped them out. Spokes are also much higher maintence than mags, not only cleaning them, but having to get them tightened periodically and ocassionally having to get them trued.I also dont like having to use a tube.

 

I prefer rims for all the stated reasons. BTW, nice wheels Texas.

 

Agreed.

Spokes look good on some bikes, but I prefer a nice forged wheel.

BTW Texas, it's looking sweet!

 

Spoke wheels are torsionally the srongest wheel you can buy, period.
Doesn't seem possible, but it is true.
Radial spokes are the weakest.

In aluminum, stay away from cast aluminum like HD's cheaper wheel line.
If the wheel isn't forged, there will be thousands of tiny air pockets and imperfections. Also, cast wheels will break before they bend.
The forging process squeezes out all of the imperfections, tightens up all of the alloy moleculesand you end up with a super strong wheel capable offlexing before breaking.