AM Classic Slotted Microhub - necessary?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by armchair_spacem
American Classsic offer a "slotted" option (pre-slotted) on their micro hub for radial spoking applications - does it offer any real functional/durability/strength benefit or does it just look slick?

Slots are for bladed spokes.
If you want to install bladed spokes you need the slots.

Better option for structural integrity of the hub flange is the use of eliptical spokes like the Sapim CXray or the DT Swiss Aerolite or Areospeed spokes along with a hub with standard holes. These will fit through normal holes and are still aerodynamic.

Slotting hub can decrease the fatigue life of hubs since it can add stress raisers through the cutting and gouging process.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by tafi
Better option for structural integrity of the hub flange is the use of eliptical spokes like the Sapim CXray or the DT Swiss Aerolite or Areospeed spokes along with a hub with standard holes. These will fit through normal holes and are still aerodynamic.

Slotting hub can decrease the fatigue life of hubs since it can add stress raisers through the cutting and gouging process.

Thanks taf, that's just the answer I was looking for. Any idea what CX-Rays & Aerolites generally cost over here in OZ?

Not that much more. I just built two wheel sets using CX-Ray spokes and I'm pleased with the result. I was going to slot the hubs and use DT Swiss newaero spokes (3mm wide) and decided against it for the same reason stated by "tafi." The Sapim spokes are likely lighter than normal double butted spoke (web site says almost lighter than Ti spokes), but their tensile strength is much greater. I typically ride a 32 spoke wheel, but decided to go with a 28 spoke set for one of the two pair. So far, so good.

I highly recommend them. Most shops don't stock them. I had to wait about 3 weeks for my wheel builder to get them from France.