Originally Posted by
Wogsterca
Thinking about the lack of braking surface, some touring bikes are now being built with road disc brakes. It makes sense a touring bike often has a heavy load and is ridden in all kinds of weather. So maybe it's a rim intended for those bikes.
With all the problems mtnbke has with finding a strong enough wheel, I'm surprised that he's gone with a hub braking system (drum/rim combo), and he should
definitely stay clear of a full hub mount (disc) setup. There's no reason to add more strain to the spokes with braking forces.