Originally Posted by
P!N20
Not aluminium nipples per chance? I’ve just spent my weekend replacing every nipple on a wheel set from alu to brass. Occasionally the alu nipples would just crumble when turned.
No, they're brass with some coating; note the greenish (verdigris?) tinge at the base. Totally understand replacing the alloy with brass - that was not an interface I ever felt should use any type of super-light material. Brass and stainless steel spoke every time, please. And steel eyelets in the rim is another plus; finish off with some Velox fabric rim tape. Solid and safe.
I feel lucky most of these have happened at slow speed or even once when the bike was hanging up, a few hours after a strenuous ride. None of my breakage issues caused an accident or drew even a drop of blood. For that I give thanks!
DD