MTB Hubs 32 vs 36 hole?

[Morwa]

Newbie question...

What are the advantages/disadvantages of 32-hole versus 36-hole MTB hubs?
What should I go for?

[Mudsimus]

Most new mountain bikes come standard with 32h. No real differance between the two. But I say go for 32h.

[Johan Bornman]

36 hole on a MTB is a bit of an overkill. Unless you are very, very heavy or load your bike with heavy touring stuff, a 32-hole is perfect. It is also the standard and getting 36-hole rims and hubs is problematic and limited in choices.

 

36-spoke on a road bike has some merit for tourers. But that's it.

 

 

Strangely enough, 28-hole is even more problematic on a MTB since there is just about zero choice there.

 

 

[splat]

It seems that a lot of the Giants are coming with 28 spoke wheels. A bit annoying as I feel that the wheel is a bit delicate for my 100kg  body. Maybe its just mental, but I would feel better with a 32 spoke wheel.

 

I also noticed that the spokes contact the rim at an angle - not at 90 degrees. I hope I dont have long term hassles there...

[Morwa]

TX for the info.  I'll get the 32 holes hubs.

 

Also what is meant by 3 cross / radial / 4 cross spokes in the wheel?

Which option should I go for on a MTB?

 

[turtlek]

Radial 3 cross and four cross are the spoking patterns

 

 

 

radial is a spoke that doesnt cross any other spoke on the way from the hub to the rim

 

 

 

3 cross is where a spoke crosses three other spokes on the way to the rim from the hub

 

 

 

four cross is mostly done on tandems to add strength and it crosses four other spokes before getting to the rim

 

 

 

the most common on mountain bikes is three cross and is plenty strong enough for any normal rider!!!!

[Xenomorph]

36 hole is stronger but heavier, I use 36 hole on my 29er