Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
From: Monterey, California
Bikes: 1982 Fuji Team, 1979 Raleigh Team Record, 1984 Raleigh Team USA, Japanese Raleigh Super Course, 2000 LeMond Buenos Aires, 90's Schwinn High Plains, 1978? Austro Daimler Inter 10
radial is fine on the front for modern hubs and spokes. Radial pattern puts more stress on the outer edge of the hub flange than a cross pattern, thus it makes a bit weaker. radial pattern on the rear is not a good choice because of the torsion force you place on the wheel as you accelerate. The benefit of radial pattern in the front is shorter spokes, thus a lighter wheel (we're not talking much here).
go with 3 cross.