Originally Posted by
auchencrow
That really sounds plausible and may account for some, but truly - this phenomenon is not limited to Raleigh or even post-build shortening of spokes.
(I never could comprehend how they allowed that on Factory-built wheels!)
Heh, on one Benotto I bought (in unused condition), the overlengthed spokes were left protruding 4-5 millimeters, poking up through (drumroll) Benotto striped handlebar tape installed at their factory.
And I've also seen wheels from Japan and elsewhere where the spoke and nipple itself showed heavy grinding, leaving razor-sharp edges that would readily cut through the rubber rim tape, especially if any spoke nipples were turned with the tire installed and inflated.
The Supercourse wheels were unique in that the grinding had obviously been done with the wheels rotating, lathe-style, and fixing all those flats was maddening.
Having the bike stolen (only shortly after the problem was finally discovered and fixed) was beyond maddening.