With the large (120 to 150 cm) front wheel, spoke patterns became important. The left hand photograph shows the radial spokes of a standard Columbia, the right hand diagram the tangential spoking of the 'New Rapid' wheel. This latter configuration reduced spoke bending in acceleration and braking with the concomitant advantage of increased spoke life. Note the wired crossing points of the tangential spokes.

From: Adams, "Antique Bicycles," TAB Books (1981)