I've always liked the look of the wheels with "a lot of spokes", especially when they are shined up. Back in the day, that meant the low-riders, but now there are even cheap kids bikes with lots. Looks like about a hundred, but could be many fewer on the small wheels. Should make for a strong wheel, but all those holes in the hub might be counterproductive.
Lately I've noticed certain WalMart bikes with few spokes. I think the bikes were "top of the line" (for walmart), so maybe around 300 bills. The spokes were black - either carbon fiber or, probably, faux carbon fiber. They were grouped in a weird 3-spoke crowfoot pattern and I think I counted them at 21 spokes. Anybody else see these?
I'm old and oldschool. Give me 36 to 48 spokes, stainless and shiny.