I heard a rumor from a mechanic that AC micro front hubs were to weak at the flanges to lace radially, but their own wheelset is laced this way. Does anyone have experience with cracking at the flanges on these hubs?

That's a good one. I have an AC microhub laced to an Aerohead rim, 28 spokes, radial, with 22000 miles on it. Two new pairs of bearings and that's been it... maybe a former disgruntled employee?

it's a tough little guy...i've been running it threecross (32spk) on my mountain bike and it's holding up great (almost a whole season of riding). i wondered how it'd do, but it was so light (and relatively cheap) i had to give it a go. the only thing that isn't exceptional is that i've got to clamp the QR pretty tight to eliminate hub-play.