The main advantage is that the high-flange hubs are really cool looking. I have yet to hear of a credible, significant technical advantage. I have heard some claims that are incorrect. In particular, spoke length and angle are no different from short-flange hubs, unless radial spoking is used, which is a bad idea in any case.
Steve Maas (who blew off work today in favor of a nice, long ride on a high-flange Hetchins in) Long Beach, California
Art Link wrote:
> What are the purported advantages ,if any, of high over low flange from a mechanical or physics standpoint? Spoke stress? What is the largest flange known? I have a Schwinn Superior hub at 100 mm flange diameter,a German Pranafa at 90mm, an English Airlite rear hub at 88mm. At some point increased weight might "outweigh" other purported advantages. Will the experts please weigh in! Art-ever curious-Link,San Antonio,TX,USA