Depending on the acft and operator, 80 knots is more of a general call out. Rudder effectiveness is directly related to Vmcg (min control ground speed). Some aircraft's nosewheel steering are directly connected to the rudder and some are not. Each acft manufacturer will define what criteria they used to define Vmcg. (ie with or w/o nosewheel steering). Generally speaking, most acft will be above Vmcg when 80 kts is achieved. Therefore it is safe to take your hands off the tiller.

With crosswinds, the nosewheel will be used until the acft reaches a speed in which the flight controls are able to maintain runway centerline.