As far an form and function .... its a freaking bike wheel. ALL bike wheels have approximately the same form ..... a few more spokes or fewer, except for those all-carbon- tri-spoke wheels from Spinergy (are they still around?) Oddly, every serious time-trial bike i see has mismatched wheels ... what do the pros, know, right?
I just realized last night that my Cervelo clone (and be careful talking about Cervelos---they Are special
) has different wheels front and rear---both Vueltas, but different models.
However ---- the bike Always had "mismatched" wheels because (as with most of my bikes) it has a 20- or 24-spoke front and a 24- or 28-spoke rear wheel. Oh, noes!! Mismatch? The form varies, so they will not function!!!!
And any one who uses the phrase "real men" in any sort of an unironic way ... I pity that person and hope for his eventual enlightenment.