Why Some Gravel Riders Are Returning to High Spoke Count Setups

Introduction: A Shift Back to Strength

Gravel cycling has long embraced innovation—from tubeless setups to carbon rims and 1x drivetrains. But in 2025, a growing number of gravel riders are going backward in one specific area: spoke count. Once considered “old school,” wheels with 32 or even 36 spokes are making a comeback among gravel adventurers, endurance riders, and bikepackers.

Why? Because on unforgiving terrain, durability often trumps weight savings. This article explores why high spoke count wheels are back in the conversation—and whether they might be right for your ride.

1. Gravel Terrain Is Tougher Than Road

Gravel bikes often encounter:

Sharp rocks

Washboard roads

Unexpected drops or ruts

Extended off-road sections with loaded gear

While carbon and alloy rims have improved, the extra redundancy of a high spoke count ensures your wheel won’t collapse if a spoke fails mid-ride. On a 32- or 36-spoke wheel, a broken spoke may barely affect trueness—whereas on a 24- or 28-spoke wheel, it could compromise your whole setup.

2. Modern Lightweight Spokes Make High Counts Viable

One reason high spoke counts were historically avoided was weight. But with today’s butted spokes (like Sapim D-Light or DT Swiss Revolution), and stronger aluminum and carbon rims, a 32-hole wheelset can still come in under 1,500g.

This allows riders to gain strength without a major weight penalty—a welcome tradeoff when descending on loose gravel or navigating long bikepacking routes.

3. Enhanced Load Capacity for Bikepacking

If you're running frame bags, panniers, or a saddle pack, your wheels are bearing significantly more weight than in a typical road setup. Higher spoke counts distribute that load more evenly, reducing the stress per spoke and per flange.

For bikepackers and long-distance racers like those in the Tour Divide, 32/36-spoke wheels offer peace of mind in remote areas where wheel failure could end a race—or leave you stranded.

4. Improved Longevity and Fewer Service Intervals

Fewer spokes often means higher tension per spoke. That can lead to more frequent truing and an increased risk of nipple or spoke fatigue over time.

High spoke count setups:

Spread tension across more contact points

Resist deformation better

Stay true longer—especially useful for gravel’s jarring vibrations and uneven loads

For riders seeking low-maintenance, high-mileage setups, this can be a big win.

5. Emergency Repair Resilience

If you’re deep in the woods or on an unsupported gravel race, wheel resilience matters more than marginal gains. A 36-hole rear wheel can survive even with two broken spokes, especially if the rider can re-tension it on the spot.

In events where mechanicals mean self-repair or quitting, a traditional high spoke count setup increases your safety margin.

6. Carbon Wheels with More Spokes Now Exist

For years, most carbon gravel wheels were capped at 24 or 28 spokes due to weight and aerodynamics. But brands are now producing carbon rims drilled for 32 or even 36 holes, recognizing the demands of serious gravel adventurers.

This means you can now enjoy the performance of carbon rims without sacrificing reliability—especially if paired with quality hubs and durable spokes.

So, Who Should Consider Higher Spoke Counts?

You might benefit from a 32- or 36-spoke wheelset if you:

Regularly ride technical or remote gravel routes

Weigh over 85 kg or carry gear for bikepacking

Prefer durability and serviceability over minimum weight

Want a reliable training or touring setup

Compete in self-supported gravel events

For others—such as gravel racers aiming for the lightest setup—28-spoke wheels may still suffice, especially with a strong rim and quality build.

Conclusion: Strength, Simplicity, and Confidence

While low-spoke, deep-section wheels still dominate the marketing space, gravel cycling’s reality favors function over flash. The return to high spoke counts is less a step back and more a strategic shift toward resilience.

In an age where marginal gains often overshadow practicality, high spoke count wheels are a reminder that sometimes, simple and strong wins—especially when the road disappears.

If you’re planning a demanding gravel adventure in 2025, don’t overlook the humble spoke—and consider that more of them might just be your best upgrade.