Does anybody know if the Sapim spokes used on EA90SLX wheels made specifically for this wheel? Asked another way, can you find these same spokes being used on different wheelsets?
Here's why I ask - I broke a non-drive side spoke on my '09 wheels in late September. I brought the wheel to my LBS figuring a relatively quick fix. The shop checked their supply and they did not have the correct length spoke in stock, so they would need to order. The LBS mentioned that getting parts from Bell/Easton is somewhat time consuming, and they sould have a spoke probably by the end of the week (09/25). Later that week, the shop calls me to tell me the spokes are backordered, and they won't be available until mid-October. By mid-October, the backorder date shifts to the end of October. Now, the expected delivery date for the required spoke is 12/06. My local shop has supplied me with a loaner wheel, which has been very helpful. I can continue using the shop's wheel until mine is fixed.
I purchased these wheels as a replacement for a set wheels that I damaged in a crash. They had been flawless for 6,000+ miles since last Spring. I was able to get them at a very good price, but price was somewhat secondary in my purchasing decision. I was interested in a wheel that didn't use proprietary parts so that I could have them easily repaired, if necessary. I didn't think twice when I brought the wheel in for the spoke repair. My shop has said that they can replace with an unmatched spoke, but they have mentioned that Easton is rather particular with repairs using "their" (i.e., Easton's) spokes.