The real question is the thread and what spokes will match the thread of the Hi-E nipples, since they are the unique piece. Actually, looked at objectively, this is a stupid design, but some things are so stupid they are cool - Edsels and AMC Gremlins and Pacers come to mind. Based on list comments about the suspect strength of the Hi-E rims, especially when radially spokes, I'm begin to think maybe my 1X front isn't such a good thing to actually ride. If I can find good quality spokes that match the Hi-E nipple threads, I may respoke the wheel 3X.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
coel canth <coelcanth@gmail.com> wrote: i haven't been following the hi-e discussion as i'm without computer right now, but the spokes i have on my first generation hi-e wheelset are galvanized spokes of conventional design.. the tricky part is that they are butted 1.5/1.8mm spokes.. i am having a tough time sourcing replacements. even though dt swiss still lists a similar (revolution model) spoke in their catalog, i have not found a distributor that actually carries them.
the simple solution would be to use straight gauge 1.8mm spokes, but that does not seem to be in the spirit of their original design
andrei padlowski glen ridge, NJ
On Dec 2, 2007 9:06 PM, Jerome & Elizabeth Moos < jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net> wrote: So Harvey, are you saying that the spoke are conventional, and it's only the nipples that were made by Hi-E? That makes things a little easier, as the nipples can be reused if the spoke breaks, provided it doesn't break off inside the nipple.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
Harvey Sachs <hmsachs@verizon.net> wrote: Glad to see that Jerry Moos has joined the small and select society of Hi-E enthusiasts. Sort of like folks into French bikes, except that better documentation is available, eh? :-)
Let me take a crack as some of Jerry's questions:
The Hi-E spoke nipples are just like other spoke nipples, except that they end about flush with the inner edge of rim. So, the nipple has flats and is turned with a wrench wrench the inside, after loosening the tire at that point. It is made from a sheet-metal tube beat to hex shape at one end, sort of like the old TTT adjustable ste wrench, but much smaller (and with a crosspiece). A 7/32 socket works just fine - after you grind down the OD to fit. Very little clearance there... Or, a 7/32 nut driver, same story.
The only HiE special spokes that I know of were the double-length ones that passed through the hub and then on to another point on the rim. The conventional spokes were just that. I suspect the "E" that Jerry saw was the Robergel "Trois Etoiles," which was stainless. My memory is that the spoke head had a backwards E.
Jerry asks about putting all the heads outside (or inside) the hub flange. Heads inside gives a slightly larger bracing angle, which is nice on the front if you corner hard at low speeds, etc. Otherwise, I think it is mostly cosmetics.
The Hi-E rims are remarkable, made of rolled aluminum sheet. The inners overlap and the ferrules serve to rivet the two edges, too. I believe that our friend from the frozen flatlands of SD (Robert S Broderick, rsb000@hotmail.com) has posted some of the voluminous HiE "literature."
Enjoy!
harvey sachs mcLean va.
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