I had a front wheel on a mountain bike that was twist-spoked. I bought it that way at a bike swap because it was the best rim and hub available in the size I needed to build the bike, (Mavic and Suntour IIRC,) and it was like 15 bucks. I kinda liked the look, but only because it was weird and I'm weird so we got along.

I road that wheel, exclusively off road, for the 8 years I had the bike. It rode just exactly like a front wheel, and it held up fine, having been built tight and straight to begin with. I think I remember that truing it (the few times I had to) was a bit wonky, but I forget why.

I wouldn't build one unless I was really, really bored, but I'd happily ride another if I ended up with one.

--Shannon

PS: Crow's foot and 3 leading / 3 trailing are way neato-er, and I'll probably end up building those someday. Fronts only.