Originally Posted by
ban guzzi
I wouldn't really on a front rim braked set up. Its not the torsional strength I'm concerned about. Compressive forces on just one or two spokes from rim to hub seems more likely to fail than those same forces taken by cross laced wheels. I feel better with angular deflection than compressive forces on a commuter.
huh?
There are three types of force placed on a wheel.
1. torsion between the hub and rim. Radial sucks at this but it basically doesn't exist on rim braked fronts.
2. Radial. All wheels are incredibly strong in this direction. This is why if you hit something directly head on your fork and frame will be damaged but the wheel will come out perfect even with some dinky 20 spoke race wheel.
3. Lateral. This is the type of force that makes a wheel unridable and should be what you worry about for your commuter. A well built radial outperforms a cross at this for the reasons I mentioned before.
I've used radial extensively for commuting and abusive xc. Anecdotally I've found them more durable.