Originally Posted by Cyclesafe

The limiting factor is whether you'll even be able to get Alpines in the length you need. I assumed 3 cross plugged into Spoke Calc and came up with 276, 285, and 287 being required, none of which are available from the AEbike catelog. Four cross would use longer and probably available spokes, but I think you wouldn't get a better wheel compared to using Competition double butted and 3 cross.

Personally, I use straight 14 ga Champion spokes because for me, spoke failure comes not from fatigue but from objects getting tangled in the spokes.