29er vs 26

[HONDO]

Was wondering if my 29er 32 spoked wheels are as strong as my old bike with 26inch wheels. Cant remember the # of spkokes. Maybe 36. Ive loaded the 26 up with full panniers many times and they havent failed me yet. The # of spokes and larger wheel size just has me wondering if the difference is  something to think about as far as the weight limit it can handle. Thanks.

[John Nelson]

In general, more spokes is stronger than fewer spokes, and smaller wheels are stronger than larger wheels.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. There are many, many other factors that determine how well your wheel will hold up, including the quality of the rim, the quality of the spokes, the quality of the hub, the quality of the wheelbuilder, the width and air pressure of the tires, etc. Pay attention to the whole package, not just the spoke count and wheel size.

And remember that the objective is not to get the strongest wheel possible, but to get a wheel that is strong enough.

[RussSeaton]

Just in case there is anyone who does not know...  A 29" wheel is a 700C wheel.  700C wheels have been used for many years on road bikes, hybrid bikes, touring bikes.  The 29" wheels on mountain bikes do have wider rims than road 700C wheels.  And take wider tires.  2"+ width possible.  As already stated, there are many factors whether your wheel will be strong enough.  Tire size being one of them.  If you run 2"+ width low pressure 29" tires, you can get by with fewer spokes.  Put on 23mm width tires and 32 spokes may not be enough for a loaded touring bike.  32 spokes with wider tires, 35mm or more, will work fine on a loaded touring bike.  Not ideal, but it will work.  A 26" wheel will be stronger than a 29" wheel with the same number of spokes.  Contrary to popular opinion, first thoughts, the bigger wheel is LESS STRONG than the smaller wheel.