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I've noticed the first spoke hole cracks on my rear i35 rim on my Whyte 909. I was planning to build a new wheelset but to save some money I'm thinking of just swapping the rims out for some new aftermarket KOMs, which look like they're the same rim. I'm hoping the well documented cracking issue is down to the poor factory wheel build, over tensioning the spokes, as I have to suit my budget. So a straight rim swap looks like the best option.
The OE i35s have spoke hole eyelets. Can I do away with these building up the new KOM versions of the i35? Also, I fancy swapping out to black brass nipples. Does anyone know what size I'd need?
If you planning to reuse the spokes you will need to check that the ERD is about the same.
If you need new spokes you would be better going for a hub with more serviceability.
Don't think you would need eyelets if the rim doesn't come with them, but I am not an expert.