1959 Model 99 spoke type

Hi, I am restoring a 1959 model 99 and wanted to know if the wheels had the single butted spoke or used the straight type of spoke. I have various wheels to fit featherbed bikes and there are both types in use.

Thanks Andy

My 99 came with butted spokes from new in 1960.

Yes, I agree with Robert. I still have a very rusty original 1959 99 rear wheel (I cut and threw away the knackered front one!) which has butted spokes. A knowledgable wheelbuilder will tell you the same thing. Butted spokes are still available in zinc finish. As an aside, a wheelbuilder has recommended to me never to use stainless spokes with stainless nipples as they tend to sieze - like stainless nuts & bolts do. Brass are best all round.

Cheers, Lionel

Yes, Robert and Lionel are correct. The 99 has butted spokes. As an aside, I broke 5 spokes jumping a hump-backed bridge in Kintyre back in 1978 and replaced them with straight spokes (all I could get in a hurry). They all eventually failed, the last one broke last year. So now my 99 is back to fully butted spokes. I have used stainless spokes successfully on a BSA, but with chromed brass spoke nipples and plenty of Copaslip.

Gordon.