Originally Posted by
SweetLou
The above about it doesn't matter is correct, but there are traditional ways to put it on. Like above, quick release is on the left. If there is writing on the hub, you should be able to read it while sitting on the bike or on the right side. If the rim has a label on the side, that side should be on the right when sitting on the bike.
But this won't affect performance, it's just tradition.
This is what I learned 40 or so years ago--essentially, everything on the bike should be installed so you can read it from the saddle or the right side. Functionally it doesn't make any difference--even the tire tread doesn't matter on a road bike--but I still do it anyway.