JBB wrote:I have the Edinburgh coop bike. It's a lovely ride and the gearing is good for a full load. However one of the tyres failed within days and the wheels are 32 spoke and past versions do not have a good reputation. I had no problems getting EBC to replace the tyre but swapped the wheels for a set of 36 spoke ones I had already, relegating the 32s to the hack.
I don't know the particular wheels, but I have some 32 spoke wheels that are 20 years old (they look similar, but maybe they are Rigida or something; whatever Raleigh was using on their entry level MTBs & hybrids 20 years ago). They have seen many miles of loaded touring, child carrying duties, weekly shopping, club riding, etc. I have in all that time, replaced 5 spokes. The brake surface is getting worn, and I will replace them, or at least the rims in the relatively near future.
It somewhat depends on what will be carried, but, IMO, 32 spokes is enough for many (maybe most) people doing loaded touring. It may not be enough for heavy people or a rough stuff expedition, but we're talking about a European tour. I'd have no qualms about doing the trip on 32 spoke wheels.