I confirmed that the old Hi-E nipples are compatible with 15 ga Robergel spokes, though not with 15 ga DT or most other Swiss/Italian/US/Japanese spokes. Thanks to some NOS Robergel Trois Etoiles 15/16 ga spokes from Mike Kone and Ted Ernst, I was able to respoke two Hi-E front wheels, including one on which the original rim had essentially exploded when a spoke broke on final tensioning. Fortunately, I had a spare 36h Hi-E rim, and I saved the Hi-E nipples from unlacing the old rim.
The other wheel is a Hi-E 32h front, which after the experience with the 36h, I decided not to even try to tension with the old rusty spokes, but respoke with NOS Robergel. Comparing the spoke head markings, I think the original spokes on this one were also 15/16 Trois Etoiles.
It was rather a task respoking, as one has to remove and save the old nipples which haven't been made in about 20 years. Not sure these unique Hi-E nipples were all that great an idea. Besides apparently being only available in 15 ga and incompatible with most spokes other than Robergel, these nipples require removing the tubular tire to true the wheel, not exactly convenient. Plus it is easy to drop a nipple inside the rim where it rolls around and must be shaken out. But collecting is about preserving the bad ideas along with the good.
So now I at least know what spokes are needed with the special Hi-E nipples, I'm weighing maybe building a couple more full Hi-E wheels, hubs, rims and nipples. Not sure if Hi-E actually made spokes or not. Anyone have any old Hi-E nipples lying about they would care to sell?
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Big Spring, Texas, USA