heres the deal. I have a set of old mavic ma-50 rims lace to shimano exage hubs. I need a couple spokes. The spokes that are on the bike look normal but when i run my hand down the length of them about 2 inches before the hub the get slightly fatter. What is that all about? Was it to add strength to an area known for breakage....or maybe to save weight? It is almost unnoticable. I have never noticed this on other spokes i have dealt with. Can replacments of this type be had or should i just get the fatter gauge throughout? Im sure my lbs wont have them stocked if they are some weirdo period correct part / technology.

You have butted spokes. They're thicker at both ends for added strength at the critical points where breakage occurs. You're best off replacing them with similar spokes which are readily available, though more costly.

Most better shops will be able to give you an almost exact replacement for your spokes, though the length of the thicker section varies from brand to brand. If not at the shop, you can buy them online.

Note, replace the nipples at the same time.

thanks! Ill check my lbs tonight and see what they have. Glad to know it is some rare oddity

+1 to FBinNY. You might have to try a few shops before you find someone competent. Make sure they check the guage of the spokes with a metal template (one came free with my Park tension meter, so any decent shop should have one on hand), both at the middle and at the ends. I can't tell you how many people have come to me with previously repaired wheels and I found spokes of different thicknesses, lengths, nipple lengths, and even nipple thicknesses. It makes it very difficult to properly tension a wheel (although frequently, those wheels have been abused enough to need a new rim).

It's not a rarity. It is the best way to build a wheel.

Elasticity of the thinner center does takeoff some strains from the ends..

stopped by the lbs...they didnt have anything. Said they dont make them any more.

Said it was a 296 or a 295? I assume that is the length?

Yes, 295 or 296mm would be the length, and, though I didn't see them, it's a good bet that they're 14g (2mm) butted spokes. The thickness at the middle varies among spoke makers, and also some makers offer 2 versions, but that's far less critical. You don't have to match the brand, assuming you have standard spokes with 90° elbows, any spoke is fine.

It's disappointing that the LBS staffer said they don't make these any more, instead of honestly saying he didn't have them in stock. I consider that an example of poor attitude. Any decent shop would be more helpful, and if they couldn't match it exactly would sell you a decent analog. A better shop would have told you to bring the wheel, and they'd not only sell you a spoke or two, but do the whole job of replacing the spokes, and truing and tensioning the wheel. More costly than just a spoke, but well worth it if you're not familiar with what needs to be done.

BTW- I know good shops throughout the USA. If you post the city you live in I or someone else could recommend a decent shop..

yeah.....i like this shop alot but it is hit and miss. Ill try some other places locally. I bought some 1/4 inch bearings from this shop while i was there as well and i asked what grade they were......200, 100 or 25? They said they thought they were 300...which is a pretty low grade bearing at .16 a piece.

Update: just got a response from a second shop that they have spoke cutting machine but will only do straight gauge. They can probably order the spokes i need but i need to buy full boxes of 70...

Most shops will be hit or miss with spokes because it's just not profitable for them to carry a handful of spokes in every guage and length that are made. If you're looking for a double butted 14/15/14 spoke in 295 or 296 length, they are still made and available. I suggest buying the spokes you need from Wheel Builder or Alchemy Bike Works adn then having a local wheel builder or competent shop install them for you.