I recently purchased a set of reproduction rear spokes for my '63 Superhawk on Ebay from Vintage_001 (located in Singapore). They sent the set w/ 2 extra spokes/nipples for both bends. 3-4 week delivery time. No problem thus far.
Unfortunately, after lacing the wheel, the spokes are about 10 mm too long. Can't tighten them up enough to true the wheel. No problem w/ quality other than this. Laced up OK.
Now I have to use a die and make more threads on each spoke (then use a Dremel wheel to cut off the excess after re-lacing/tightening the wheel (again)).
Or I can try to have them replaced by the seller (that ought to be an exercise in futility) w/ spokes of the correct length.
I think I'll just make more threads on the spokes. Better for my sanity.
Just thought I'd share w/ the forum.
Gary Dunham
San Antonio, Tx
Buyer Beware
spokesDid you compare the length with the old spokes to make sure you just aren't off a hole or something on the lacing? Probably did, just asking to make sure.
I've bought a few things overseas and some were OK and some pure SH^&*T
Re: spokesNo such thing as Off One Hole with spoks that I'm aware of.
They are either corret or wrong as to length. ................lm
RIDE IT DON'T HIDE IT!
Re: Buyer BewareCaveat emptor, indeed! I bought a set of TC's spokes too, back in the summer; I've been singing his praises, as I've been delighted with everything I got from him during the past year. I'm disappointed you have a problem, Gary. TC is a very straight guy, so before you modify the spokes it may be wise to email him and explain. Also, the threads would've been machined before any plating process, so dieing extra thread will expose mild steel to the elements, assuming you have the plated variety. He has them made; cad- & chrome-plate & stainless. I got the chrome sets. I'm not keen on mixing stainless & alloy as I live by the sea; the salt air will accelerate dissimilar metal corrosion while you stop for a coffee and a pee! Please post the exact overall length of both original and new, from the elbow to the start of the thread. Unfortunately, I am apparently not smart enough to retain the original badly corroded (they endured 20+ English winters) spokes.
However, the new spokes measure as follows Outside spokes (90 degree bend) = 162 mm Inside spokes (135 degree bend) = 162 mm I even tried relacing it w/ the 90 degree spokes inside and the 135 degree spokes outside w/ predictable results. It don't work. Anyone w/ any ideas or suggestions? I bought the front wheel spokes last year fro CMS and they were fine. WTF? Stumped in San Antonio
spokesNo such thing as Off One Hole with spoks that I'm aware of.
They are either corret or wrong as to length. ................lm I guess I just was asking if they were laced correctly. You and I both know, they are either right or wrong. Lacing a Brit wheel to a 16" HD rim like on a bobber rear is a PITA. If it is laced incorrectly as in started on the wrong hole, half of the spokes look too long. Get the lacing right and it all falls together without tossing a screwdriver through the drywall. I'D NEVER DO THAT!!!!! I thought maybe that might be the case. Hope that clears it up.
Measure one of your front-wheel spokes in situ; some of them should still have a ring or two of thread exposed. From the back of the elbow to the start of the thread, not the end of the spoke (a bit awkward once laced!). I'll measure my new set once I get to my storage (a few kilometres from my home at the moment, as I'm in the throes of moving apartment -- what a Pain In The Attic!). It may be a while before I can start my resto in earnest now.
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