Yeah, I'm concerned about that as well. I've wrapped a bit of copper wire around
most of the drive side spokes where they meet the ring, but I'm not sure how much
. good it will do. Were these failures due to wear at the ring on the spokes,(I wouldn't
think so), or was it more likely stress & vibration? I suppose the plastic ring might
flex causing metal fatigue. I wonder what part of the spoke is most prone to fail?
The 2 rim idea is interesting. Having a larger rim would facilitate a larger pulley
and could create a greater range of ratios for different engines. Perhaps a 22" or
24" rim rather than a 20". I think another 26" would be too close to the ground
and liable to pick up mud and rocks. If I find a 22 or 24, i may just try it with one
of my other bikes. I've just come by another shaft to such an end. Like that
$15 new blue '70s 3 spd. every thing on that build other than the GX35 was
recycled junk.