replacing spokes

[Happy Hooligan]

Okay I think I might replace the spokes on my prewar Hercules.

It has metal clad wood wheels.

36 spoke and looks like the spokes measure 12"

First how to do you measure a spoke?

Second what gauge do you think they would have been? They're kind of rusty and I don't have a gauge to test them.

Third, should forgot the wood wheels and get a set of used 700c wheels and just put the old coaster on it?

so many questions...

 

[mikeeebikey]

If you plan on riding it I would ditch the wooden wheels, myself I'd replace the wheelset, not just the rim. That way you can display the woodies and ride the bike, returning it to it's former woodeness when needed....

 

[udallcustombikes]

Mikey has the right idea. Unless you are going for a correct restoration hang 'em up. Unless you have a super rare hub you should be able to find the same model to lace into your new rims. What size are the original wheels?

 

[Happy Hooligan]

they're 28"

I've already removed the spokes from the back wheel as they were very rusty and loose and one snapped right in two.

It was using a new departure model D

 

[udallcustombikes]

Model Ds are quite common in our little community and shouldn't be hard to find a replacement (I have one in excellent shape I could part with). I would hang the wood clads up and replace them with modern rims. Safer to ride and no depreciation to the bike.