I was advised by several members yesterday that the problem with matching my Hi-E nipples with modern spokes is probably that the H-E nipples were made for 15 gauge spokes rather than the 14 gauge common today.
Do any of the LBS owners, or other members, have 15 gauge spokes for sale? Surfing the web, it appears that both Wheelsmith and DT make 15 gauge straight gauge spokes and Wheelsmith also makes a 15/16 butted. Anyone have any of these available in a selection of lengths? I want to try to rebuild a couple of Hi-E front wheels with the the unique rims and spoke nipples, but I have already broken a couple of the old corroded spokes at tensions no more than 60 kg, so I know I am going to have to respoke with new spokes, hopefully reusing the strange Hi-E nipples.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Big Spring, TX