If I'm not mistaken "clamshell" refers to the expensive type Jim used to make and they are not that bad. Just a huge disppointment if you change bikes. I prefer the stock rag/rubber because they are better at shock absorption and take less time for me to install.The rubber mounted "clamshell" "ragmount" (whatever ya wanna call the kit supplied POS lol) is designed for a conventional 36-spoke wheel as are most of the alternates. While you can of course make it work with more spokes and many have - it starts to get to be a nightmare.
It's far easier and in some ways better to go for a heavier gauge spoke than more of them, unless it's the fashion yer after but remember that even the heaviest gauge spoke won't do you a bit of good if it's laced into a cheesy walmart single-wall marshmallow-alloy rim lol
I agree that rims are the weak link, steel or alloy. What turned me off the most was last year my buddy dented one of his fancy "elliptical" rims and for what he paid to replace I could buy three (3) brand new Glacier Point bikes with six (6) brand new heavy duty alloy rims.I haz "cheesy walmart single-wall marshmallow-alloy rims" myself, and between the abuse of the roads round here, the crazy bastid riding the bike, and prolly the stock sprocket mount - my rear rim in partic is never true.
*shrug* I'm sure they're good 'nuff so to speak, but they do not fill me with confidence lol I do know (unfortunately) they like to taco way too easily, while no rim is invulnerable - I think the rims I have on my bike are it's weakest link.
Potholes wait in ambush, jump out right in front of you when yer flanked by a cager and a gravel drop-off, I swear! I seen 'em!
sneaky o.o