Michael S. wrote, in part:
"So, you guys who know Cinellis & wheels: will it help much to go to 4 crossed on the high flange hubs, or are small flange hubs the way to go? The HF wheels are beyond beautiful, but no fun to ride."
I found Michael's post quite interesting. I had it in my mind from long ago that 4x low-flange was somehow a no-no...don't ask me why. But is there any truth to that notion at all? or just some myth I memorized long ago? 4x high-flange was the rage back in the 70s as I remember--or was THAT the no-no?. We all rode 3x high-flange, often double-butted, I don't remember such wheels being especially uncomfortable, especially with nice silk clements. I have a few high-flange 4x wheels in the wheel-pile, and ride them, can't say I notice much difference.
And 3x low-flange was a kind of de-facto standard for campagnolo-equipped bikes of the time, we all rode those a lot too.
Tires seem to be a much bigger variable in road-feel than wheel-build techniques or materials, at least in my experience..
Charles Andrews Los Angeles
Q: "Why do people spoil everything for themselves?
A: "In big ways, and little ways too, people do that all the time to themselves. We can't stand prosperity. We have to tinker with the machinery."
--John D. MacDonald