Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 15
From: Chattanooga
Bikes: '93 Bridgestone RB-1, '91 Specialized Allez Epic, '85 Raleigh Team Pro, '78 Andre Bertin, early '90s F. Moser Leader AX , '85 Centurion Equipe, '98 Litespeed Tuscany, '89 Klein Quantum, '80 Nishiki Superbe, '83 Peckham, '84 Fuji Opus III
Nipple Washers
I have researched this subject pretty thoroughly but find no definitive answer. Please help.
I'm going to build my first wheels for use on my son's 1984 Fuji Opus III. The original rims are Ambrosio 19 Elite Extra double wall clinchers and have low, low miles. Yet, over the years, they have developed cracks in multiple radial locations at the 90 degree bend of the wall.
Replacement rim will be mid/late 1980's era red label Araya double wall clincher which has NO, repeat NO, eyelets (rivets) installed in the spoke openings. The holes are naked.
Do I need nipple washers for reinforcement strength or to ease metal-to-metal contact? Where can I buy them (or suitable substitute)? The secondary opening is 6.5-7.0 mm with the nipple opening being 4.0 cm.