I admit I liked the idea of radial on the NDS in order to keep continual tension on the spokes. But after more experienced advice I see it as a risky lacing. I go back to a picture I saw posted here back when.. the lead rider in a sizeable pack of riders in the process of going down via the collaspe of the front rim. NOT saying it was radial laced.. but from my view the first priority building a rim is durability. I cringe to think of riding a wheel that goes south.. I easily can think of so many scenario's where I ride that if that happened it'd be hurst time.

"the best way to compensate for the unequal tension dished wheels need is to reduce the cross section of left side spokes. That allows you to equalize the stress of the left and right side spokes, while maintaining unequal tension" writes FB.

Apologies for my being slow to understand.. you mean minimizing the dish angle with all the spacing you can use NDS?

I like the idea of using an XT disc rear hub to equalize tensions.... I'll have to look at those figures.

I'd sure agree a well built wheel should stand.. spokes should mostly stay put. I read all this breakage et al across the net.. my only real problems have been with a factory replacement wheel.. which teaches one quickly NOT to buy just to get riding.

I see the jolt scenario now as something I've placed too much emphasis on. I think of the narrow lite rims I see on a relative's bike.. one I haven't riden. That has kept me off that type of rim and tire configuartion.. the idea of doing the pothole I ran thru last fall.. which didn't phaze my rider rim at all. I figured that event led to the inbound NDS broke spoke early winter... near of bend per usual. Likely just fatigue.