The object of my question is a 1989 Schwinn Collegiate 5 speed with front freewheel. It has 26 inch wheels. There are two broken spokes on the rear wheel. I measured the spokes at 11 1/8 inches using a tape measure, which I know is not a very accurate instrument to measure with, and I don't trust the accuracy of my measurement enough to base the purchase of new spokes on it. I remember reading some years ago that back in the day Schwinn had it's own unique size standard. I don't know if that applied to wheels too, but I had new tires put on the bike a few years ago, and they are 26 X 1 1/4. The rims are steel. I think they are the original rims, but as I'm not the original owner of the bike I don't want to assume that they are. I don't know what size the hub is. I think the spokes are two cross. I can of course verify that if needed.

Okay then. Please help me. What is the best method of determining what size spokes I need for the repair? I intend to order the spokes online, as the nearest bicycle shop is about 75 miles away, so removing a good spoke and taking it to a bike shop for comparison is not an option. I suppose I could take out a good spoke and measure it more accurately, but I don't know if that would work either. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.