Nov. 19, 2013, 6:33 p.m. -  Dirk

#!markdown I don't necessarily think this means that they need a stronger rim. It just means that they have to pay a bit more attention to a different failure mechanism. Theoretically: Standard wheel with 32 spokes - More likely to develop lateral failure, less likely to develop flat spots due to closer spoke spacing (although, dealing with the lateral failure is more likley to result in flat spots) Crank Bros. - Less likely to develop lateral failure, more likely to develop flat spots due to larger spacing between spokes. I think that mountain bike wheels are far more likely to develop lateral hops than flat spots, so giving up a bit in that area to improve laterally seems like a good trade.