Butted spokes?

[Simon.Gardiner]

Thinking about rebuilding some Leader/Arrow wheels I checked what Devon Rims have on offer. They seem to have butted spokes for Leaders and plain spokes for Arrows.
Checking all the parts books (as on the website) there's only ever the same part number for Leader/Arrow front/rear spokes (T1520).
I've got at least 2 Leader wheels, early ones with alloy hubs that came with the project and should be original to the bike (and 'unmolested'), the rear has butted spokes and the front has plain spokes.
I've got another couple of alloy hub rear wheels with plain spokes that should be Leader but might not be original.

Anyone else found (or using) butted spokes in two-stroke wheels ?

SG

[nevhunter]

Butted spokes are superior in any wheels. Otherwise there are failure stress points , The bends and the spoke threads. It's only cost saving that dictates otherwise. Double butted is the best with Rolled threads. IF you use Stainless, make sure you use the special Lube Provided, or the threads may seize. Nev

[Roger Gwynn]

The originals were not butted. See the experts who know more about Ariel wheels than Devon rims https://draganfly.co.uk/shop/84940/spok ... Itemid=505 or https://draganfly.co.uk/shop/87243/spok ... Itemid=505
We used to have a tea chest of factory spokes and none were butted.

[Simon.Gardiner]

Good to see the experts and the parts books are in agreement!

SG

[nevhunter]

It's for cost saving. From an engineering Point of view the Butted spoke is the choice. Otherwise the strain goes to the End of the thread and the Bend. When spokes break it's often a big job to replace any of the Inner ones..Nev