Originally Posted by
cny-bikeman
I don't know why anyone would be worried about tension differences when the only reason to build such a wheel is for appearance, and the only way anyone can appreciate that is with the bike standing still a lot of the time.
There you're totally wrong, unless you're just trying to throw insults.
There's nothing wrong with having a nice looking ride, but not at the expense of creating a weak wheel.
By the accounts I've read, this 3L 3T pattern is a sturdy build. So nothing is lost; experiences is gained.
And any half-decent wheel builder is aware of the importance of even spoke tension for a reliable wheel.
In addition, while I agree with you that appearance is a primary consideration for this lacing pattern, I'm finding it's an attention-grabbing way to demonstrate wheel building to my 6 and 8 year olds. Visually, it's a simpler pattern to count out, and with the mixed colors, to follow along.
I'm not going to start building this pattern regularly, but it's a nice change from the same old same old.