Originally Posted by
Charles Wahl
The reason for larger diameter flange on the drive side is (I believe) that it makes the angle of spoke greater on drive side, thus reducing the tension necessary. This is why I don't understand putting the large flange on the non-drive side, which makes the differential in drive and non-drive spoke angles greater, not less.
However, I trust that Phil Wood did not do it just because it looks kewl.
The reason for larger diameter on the drive side is the possibility for replacement of broken drive-side spokes without the need to pull your freewheel while sitting on the side of the road in nebraska with a fully loaded touring bike.
This is also the reason for the hypercracker, the maillard helicomatic hub and modern cassette hubs.
