Originally Posted by
531phile
The more crosses. The more stronger the wheel. 3 is stronger than 2. Front wheels take less abuse than rear wheels.
this is not entirely true.
It's all about the exit angle of the spoke from the hub and there's no point in going over 90 degrees.
for instance a 20h wheel will be weaker if you lace it 3x compared to 2x because the spokes can't exit the hub properly.