Spoke Counts

Please rely on manufacturer's guidelines and not my opinions, but ....

.... at 165 you don't really need to worry that much about spoke counts as low as 16/20, but if it's in your brain .... ride what you feel most comfortable with. But if you are really using them only for racing then I'd probably go with a faster wheel rather than a higher spoke wheel, however.

I'm 175 but get up to 180, and I ride and prefer 20/24. The only spoke I ever broke was in a race, on a 16 spoke front wheel, but it cost me a DNF. I'd be comfortable on 20/20 .... but 16 spokes just freaks me out a little..... 20 spokes is 25% more spokes versus 16!

2008 Zipp 404s came in 18/24, so this might suit you. And Zipp also has a Clydesdale Clincher 404 (now called a 404 Max) that is 24/24 or 20/24 .... but this is overkill especially for you. And I know a 190 pounder on Reynolds 16/20. And Shimano C50's are 16/20 and are known for their durability .... they have no weight limit.

The rim makes a big deal too. A strong rim like a Zipp 404 (with aluminum brake track) or a deeper rim like a 66mm Reynolds Strike or SDV66 is sturdier.... a super light rim like a Reynolds MV 32 UL probably benefits from more spokes, and you can only get 20/24 from the OEM on this 32mm deeepr all carbon rim.

Fewer is faster, more aero, and lighter though. But I have an old 1998 Bianchi Campione with 32/32 ... man that feels solid and sweet underneath. I've just decided to trade 3 grams per spoke and a watt or two for a little peace of mind, but you'll hear both perspectives on this.