Originally Posted by
Retro Grouch
The issue is different from what you typically see on road bikes. It's the amount of material in the hub flange and rim. 48 holes means the holes are spaced more closely together. More hole and less material = weaker hub flange. Lace it radially and you are pulling against a weaker flange in the direction where it's weakest. A 36 spoke wheel might actually be stronger.
Well, sure. There'll always be a weakest link. As soon as you reinforce one link in the chain, another will take over the role as the weakest.
Not knowing the specifics of his hub, we can't tell which it's likely to be.