Lacing describes the way that spokes are arranged between the hub and the rim of a wheel.  There are several ways in which spokes can be laced and here are the main ones. Three-cross lacing: This is the most common style of lacing for 32 or 36 J-bend spokes. It is based on a three-cross pattern. Essentially, each of the spokes intersects three other spokes in between the junction with the hub and the rim. By crossing the spokes so many times, the torque exerted by pedaling and braking is transmitted appropriately from the hub to the rim. Two-cross lacing: When you are trying to cut down on weight, it is common for wheels to have just 28 even only 24 straight-pull spokes. This type of spoke can usually be tightened to a greater tension than J-bend spokes. Because there are fewer spokes, a three-cross lacing approach is not possible so a two-cross design is used. Each spoke intersects with two other spokes. Two-to-one lacing: Sometimes, the number of spokes on the non-driveside and the driveside of the front wheel are uneven. This is because on the front hub, the non-driveside flange is closer to the center of the hub. It, therefore, needs a higher tension in order to keep the wheel straight and on some wheels it has twice as many spokes as the driveside. Mavic Isopulse lacing: On the rear wheel, the driveside flange is closest to the center and so these spokes are under greatest tension. Mavic’s wheels have radial spokes which are not crossed on the driveside. This gives a better spoke angle and consequently eases the load on the spokes on the driveside. The non-driveside spokes have a two-cross lace so that they can handle the torque exerted by braking and pedaling.