Originally Posted by
Little Darwin
While many pro builders align the labels, I would dismiss this issue as I can easily envision a good wheel builder that doesn't worry about non-functional issues. I actually had some wheels built, and I can't tell you whether the labels are aligned or not. I will go look this evening.
Crossing the spokes over the valve hole is functional, and is solid evidence of a build that should be redone.
Again....it's convention. Disregarding convention - while not impacting the performance of the wheel - says more about how the business is done.
It's like someone who won't shake hands when meeting someone. They may have their reasons, and it might not indicate anything in particular, but it's just a bad way of doing business. Period.