No, this isn't about a Brooks saddle problem. I'm rebuilding a pair of '50s high-flange Chater Lea hubs and have come up short one cone nut and associated locknut, washer, etc. I though I would be able to cobble something together from my BH hub collection. Nope. Both front and rear axles are a dainty 8mm diameter (and hollow!), and the BH hub axles (that I have, anyway) are 9mm.
It's no wonder these CL hubs are so light (and so rare). And yes, I will lace them up 4x with just enough tension, not too much. I've never seen so little aluminum between the spoke holes and the edge of the flange. I'll also refrain from (much) riding on these wheels. They are destined for my Hobbs Blue Riband project.
Does anyone have spares or know of a source for cone nuts for an 8mm axle?
Dave Ross
Portola Valley, California, USA