Charles,
Four cross on small flange Campy hubs is what used to come on the new Masis from Carlsbad.
There is too much folklore that doesn't apply. Many things work. Few things that are common don't work. Even radial spoke patterns work very well. Too much has been made of small differences in wheel construction. Same with frame materials but that is another discussion.
A good wheel builder will have preferences and will know what works for each rider.
Building wheels is within reach of many people. The accomplished wheel builder will be able to build wheels to meet the needs of each rider. Otherwise, one needs to build to the lowest common denominator. By that, I mean, the toughest customer. A smoother rider can use a lighter wheel than a pounder. That type of thing.
Aside from the above, many things work for most people.
Maybe someone will come along and say what I was trying to say in a clearer way.
Chuck Hoefer
Vista, California USA
> 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