Originally Posted by
diabloridr
Actually, for a *FLAT* 20 mile time trial, safety vs. speed would not really be a consideration, since the design must be optimized for aerodynamics, not weight.
Designing for hill climbs, rolling terrain, crits, etc is whole 'nother proposition.
The number, type, and shape of spokes influences the wheels weight and aerodynamics. To make the wheels stronger with more spokes and/or round spokes will also cost you in aero drag.
What you say would be true though for wheels like discs and tri spokes.