Ok these wheels came with my Habanero have 10,500 miles on them not kilometers. Now I finally need to true the front wheel just a tad. Basically the wheels have been good no trouble stayed trued and rear is fine.

Now after trying to true the front I see they are just junk in terms on working on them. Seems the spoke and nipples are proprietary and straight pull spokes and proprietary nipples. The nipples would not take any spoke wrench I had and neither did they have one at the LBS. Finally I found the tech docs on the wheels from Shimano they take 287 mm but require a plug and washer.


I don't care about the wheels I just bought a new set but I would like to rebuild the front wheel the rear is fine. I can use it on the trainer and have them as a spare. How do I get spokes for these and nipples and can I substitute another straight pull spoke like wheelsmiths? Would I need to get some washer or something to get them together. Maybe call Shimano? Or forget the whole deal and pitch the wheel as clearly these bladed spokes are a pain in the ass?



Deacon Mark Cleary