Why aftermarket rim brake wheels not 3X
Hi all,
I’ve really gotten interested in bicycle wheel building recently. Read Jobst Brandt’s book and built a few lacing patterns for fun. I keep reading how 3X lacing is superior to radial in terms of durability (I’m only talking Rim brake wheels) in my investigations. My question is why are so many aftermarket wheels NOT 3X laced?
what I typically see in these wheels is radial front and half radial rear (2x or 3x on drive side and radial non drive side).
Has technology improved to where 3X isn’t as critical anymore or is it buyer’s need to have something “different” or fashionable for their purchase? Or perhaps for more performance (lighter weight for better acceleration) the trade off gets made for durability?