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What rim should I use to build up 26" on/offroad touring wheels?

I'll be running cantilevers, carrying panniers (no trailer) on and off road. Fat tires (2.25") at 35-65 psi and road tires (1.5").

What rim width will support that range of tire widths?
Do I need 36 spokes or will 32 be ok?

Here is my list of options so far, other suggestions are welcome:

* Velocity AeroHeat (24mm width, 442g, basically a 26" Dyad)
* Alex Adventurer (24.5mm width, 480g, 17.5mm inner width)
* Sun Rhyno Lite (27.5mm width, 550g)
* Velocity Cliffhanger (28mm width, 580g, a beefed up AeroHeat)
* Mavic EX 721 (28mm width, 21mm inner width, 590g)

I assume the inner width matters more in determining compatible tire width, but that measurement is not always available. According to , no rim supports both 1.5" and 2.25" tires, but 21mm inner width comes close.

(I would especially like comments from Ben about Sheldon's chart, unless he's too busy cooking.)

I picked the Rhyno Lite because I've had good luck with them in tandem duty (36 spokes, 40 spokes and 48 spokes, we've had three tandems with them) running 1.5" wide tires. They also work nicely with 2.25" wide tires.

My second choice would be the Aeroheat.

Are you getting a new bike to replace the BG? isn't it 700C?

alex

alex adventurers are by far the best value on the market.

well, as of 3 years ago. i haven't done much research lately. ie. they last.
the one on my touring bike is 4 1/2 years, and has out lasted 3 frames.
and you've seen how i treat shit.

Although I'm sure the other choices are fine, too, let me cast another vote for the alex rims. Ben's right, they are tough. And--if you plan to build the wheels yourself--you'll find them very easy to work with.