For people going for the lightest bike possible, the spokes in the driving direction of the wheel are a smaller gauge (heavier)-- not one side or the other, as

For people going for the lightest bike possible, the spokes in the driving direction of the wheel are a smaller gauge (heavier)-- not one side or the other, as the hub is a single piece. The frame is reinforced slightly on the chain-side of the bicycle. But these modifications are for racing bikes, normal bikes have no special reinforcement because the weight difference is a couple ounces. The current system has no problems and most parts are interchangeable.