<snip> Any wheel built well, is stiff. >
I agree completely.
>snip>
>Twisting spokes around each other does affect building.
<snip>
Absolutely, it takes some talent to balance the tension.
What you end up with is a highly tensioned, strong wheel
when done right. We have used nothing but good, strong,
14 ga, (or 2.0mm) spokes. And have experienced no
wheel failures.
Of course, there are many ways to build wheels. In the seventies, I remember the Braxton boys (sons of Sam Braxton, framebuilder, et al) in Missoula, Montana would tell about timed wheel building races. I think they claimed a time of around 3 minutes from a pile of spokes, rim and hub to a rideable wheel. They talked about this during TOSRV (Tour of the Swan River Valley-231 miles in 2 days)
My job interview at age 21 in 1975 in Missoula at The Cyclist consisted of being given a Rigida steel serrated rim, a number of Union spokes and a Normandy hub. The boss, John, said, "is that the truest you can get it?" I said " yes, because this steel rim is so wavy and the seam is huge. He agreed with me and I then worked for John and then also his co-owner Dennis Sparrow came back from England where he had been building frames.
I had great fun working in Missoula in 75 and especially 76 when the Bikecentenial organization brought thousands of cross country riders through Missoula. We had many riders from places like Holland and Australia stop in the shop. We worked 7 days a week that year. Lots of full campy bikes, lots of touring bikes, etc.
oops, I am rambling.
Robb Rasmussen its going to be 100 degrees today!! Sioux River Cyclery (since 1977) 501 Main Ave Brookings, SD 57006 http://www.501main.com