In a message dated 11/30/03 11:22:52 AM Eastern Standard Time, gregb51@lycos.com writes:
> Hi all,
> I looked in the archives unsuccessfully for this topic, which has
> probably been covered adnauseum, but didn't find any info. So... does anyone feel
> like discussing the thinking behind Campy's earlier production of high & low
> flange road hubsets? I use both, & for the life of me I can't tell a
> difference between the two(when using same spoke hole # and lacing configuration).
> I'm guessing it was more a cosmetic-marketing thing, as opposed to genuine
> weight or "aero" issue. Strengh also doesn't seem to be an issue, at least in my
> nonracing experience. Thanks in advance for any interesting comments.
> Greg Brooks
> Ridgetop,TN
>
When I was just a lad working in the LBS, I learned that the large flange was to shorten the distance from hub to rim, allowing for stiffer and more responsive wheels than the small flange would create. The small, in turn, was to give a more forgiving ride. Of course, I believe spokes have become more substantial and varied since then so as to be a bigger part of the various layouts now used. Seems logical to me.
Regards, Les Himel
Chappaqua, NY