My problem: Old-style hub flanges are thinner, and the elbows of current spokes are too long.
Current solution: Brass spoke head washers. But they don't look right - and add weight ;)
Possible solution: Straight-pull spokes, where I can bend the elbow myself. Bending the elbow should be easy - I'd take a steel plate the right thickness (approx. the thickness of the hub flanges), drill a hole (2 mm diameter), insert the spoke, and bend the elbow. Tedious, but for 72 spokes and a few spares, it wouldn't be so bad.
Questions: 1. Are 2.0-1.8 mm straight pull spokes available - ideally in a length close to 265 mm, but I could shorten a longer spoke, if that is required? 2. Any problems with my approach?
Thanks for your help.
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Jan Heine, Seattle
Editor/Publisher
Vintage Bicycle Quarterly
http://www.mindspring.com/