Bontrager by Chris King 24h front hub lacing

[ColonelJLloyd]

I have an unused 24h front that I will pair with a 24h Gran Compe F/F rear and BTLOS RC-50 gloss rims. Pillar 2.0/1.8/2.0 spokes. Brass double squares. I'm assuming these were originally all laced radially. Radial looks fine to me, but crossing is classic to my eye. Am I correct that this all comes down to aesthetics and ease of lacing (radial) or is there a compelling reason to choose radial over 2X? Should I consider 1X?

[StressStrain]

I do 24 hole wheels in a 2 cross pattern. I really don't like the aesthetics and hub flange stress of radial lacing.

[Mark McM]

Crossed vs. radial lacing:

• If the wheel has to bear torque (drivetrain torque or disc brake torque), the spokes should be crossed. (Note: Generally only the spokes on the side that torque is applied need to be crossed, i.e. the right side of a rear wheel, and the leftt side of a disc brake wheel.)
  
• Radial lacing loads the flanges differently than crossed crossed lacing. If hubs are not designed to handle radial spoke forces, the spokes should be crossed.
  
• If a spoke breaks, it is less likely to flop around as the wheel turns if the spokes are interlaced, and interlacing requires crossed spokes.
  
• Radial lacing is marginally easier to build.
  
• Radial lacing is marginally lighter.
  
• Radial lacing marginally increases lateral stiffness.
  
• Radial lacing marginally decreases aero drag.

In the end, there are only minor differences in performance and durability between radial vs. crossed spokes, so if you like the look of radial spokes, that's reason enough to do it.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by ColonelJLloyd

I have an unused 24h front that I will pair with a 24h Gran Compe F/F rear and BTLOS RC-50 gloss rims. Pillar 2.0/1.8/2.0 spokes. Brass double squares. I'm assuming these were originally all laced radially. Radial looks fine to me, but crossing is classic to my eye. Am I correct that this all comes down to aesthetics and ease of lacing (radial) or is there a compelling reason to choose radial over 2X? Should I consider 1X?

All things being equal, a 2 cross, 24h, front wheel will be a little more reliable and comfy than a radial one.

Radial lacing isn't any easier, to me, than 2 cross lacing.

If you'd even consider 1x, just do radial..and remember, when the wheel is spinning, you can't really tell if it's crossed or radial...

[Bob Ross]

Originally Posted by Mark McM

Radial lacing is marginally lighter.

Since I suck at math/geometry, help me understand this: Is radial lighter just because each spoke length is shorter (and therefore uses less material), or is there something else involved in this weight-savings?
Thx

[Alistair]

Originally Posted by Bob Ross

Since I suck at math/geometry, help me understand this: Is radial lighter just because each spoke length is shorter (and therefore uses less material),

Yep.

[rowebr]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

..and remember, when the wheel is spinning, you can't really tell if it's crossed or radial...

Ha, sounds about right, I almost spilled my coffee laughing at this one!

[Mark McM]

Originally Posted by Bob Ross

Since I suck at math/geometry, help me understand this: Is radial lighter just because each spoke length is shorter (and therefore uses less material), or is there something else involved in this weight-savings?
Thx

Yes, typically the spokes are about 5% shorter, so they are about 5% lighter. This is the same reason that radially laced wheels wheels have a little more lateral stiffness - shorter spokes are stiffer.