Originally Posted by
repechage
Anyone cut the spokes out prior to a rebuild?
Send one back to specialized politely requesting a warranty replacement.... I think they had a lifetime warranty back then.
I think I would, if only to see what they do. With 14g straight, 40 holes on smallish flange, probably too much tension, and most likely a cast shell of mystery metal; this doesn't entirely surprise me.
I always cut spokes out for a rebuild. Knipex ****s. Perhaps metallurgy has improved enough that it's not necessary now? But I am skeptical. I used to rebuild my wheels when the spokes started to pop, and reusing spokes would have been silly. Usually they were notched at the crossings by then.