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spoke protector -
this is a good point! have had several UO8/UO-18 type machines come through which were wearing this device but had never given any thought to its years of service. the Simplex catalogues posted online do not permit one to learn its launch year either due to time gaps. an examination of the historical Peugeot catalogues available online would seem to be the way to explore this matter.
http://velobase.com/CompImages/Small...8E862EAD3.jpeg
http://velobase.com/CompImages/Small...01286665B.jpeg
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posterior hub -
five-piece rear hubs, especially large flange ones, have an inherent weakness of design in that the drive side flange oftimes works loose. the axle set and spokes keep everything together but the flange can wobble. if you plan to reuse the hub to construct another wheel you should check this prior to cutting up the spokes. this can be done by laying the cycle on its left, NDS, and spinning the rear wheel in the manner of a croupier. watch the gear block as it freewheels. it there is a gyre the flange has loosened.
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