> 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?
I can't answer question number one but I have some thoughts about #2. The plate should be a little thinner than the flange width because the bend won't occur right at the edge of the plate. I think you might have some problems because it will be difficult to get the bend to occur in one localized spot. Maybe a gentle hammer at the bending site would give you the 90degree bend that you want but you run the risk of flattening the spoke a bit. This might not be an issue but certainly isn't ideal. Good luck and let us know if it works.
Curt Goodrich
Minneapolis, MN