Snapped spoke on way to work yesterday. Wheel is a Shimano. SpoKe is a flat bladed job (290mm straight pull apparently) with red nipple. Had trouble with 2 shops unable to produce one in their shop. Advised to buy online and they would fit and true.

Q - Presume it needs to be a replacement flat bladed spoke and a 'normal' round spoke would not do ...or is that just for aesthetics?
Q - Presume the spoke would not need to be Shminao specific?

Trawling web yesterday indicated that it would not be that easy to purchase. Will give Ribble a call to see if they have a few to buy.