Folding Bikes - Yet another Raleigh Twenty

Last week I bought another Twenty on Ebay for $120. I went for it because it was local and there was no shipping involved. It is a 1970 in very good condition. Original Raleigh Vinylon white wall tires, original Weinmann brake shoes, almost mint condition sprung brooks saddle, all the "R" nuts in place, nearly rust free. The only missing part is the frame pump.
It's so nice I'm having second thoughts about modifying it. Maybe I should find a bike collector who wants it.

I hate you.

...

Just kiddin' man. That's an awesome find. I love seeing a classic bike in great shape like that. Beautiful!

I've read if you don't make any permanent mods, set the original parts aside and so on, it doesn't hurt the collectible value.

EDIT: what I mean by that is, you COULD remove all the original parts and use whatever you wanted (new tires, bars, saddle etc) as long as you don't drill, cut or strip the frame. It shouldn't affect later "collectible value" because you still have all the gear that came off it in original shape. :)

You did a rockin' job on your other '20 - I'd love to see something similar in green.

Sweet!

I have decided to do the modification. A bike should be ridden and I am more likely to be ride it if it's updated.

Yeah, mod the heck out of it! Though your grandson may come to hate you when he finds out it is worth a Zillion bucks if only it was original! ;)

Maybe take a lot of pictures before the mods as it is really an exceptional specimen, very nice. I like the pedals and the 3 speed, sweet.

I have decided to do the modification. A bike should be ridden and I am more likely to be ride it if it's updated.

Good for you....enjoy it. It looks great!!!

Yan

nice that it's still got the alu rack; I'd swap out the wheels and brake blocks for something safer.... Job done! Funniest thing - a genuine R20 frame bolt came up on ebay uk on friday... Haha after all that hassle...

Happy christmas everyone by the way...

A few notes on the original condition:

The chain is slightly blue in color and VERY stiff lateraly. The link plates are engraved "Made in England". There is a 3 piece master link marked "England".

The fork is quite narrow. I cannot fit a modern front hub in it and it will not fit the 2" Maxxis Hookworm tires I was planning to use without rubbing. I put on 1.5" Schwalbe Marathons for now.

Cottered cranks are the devils work. That alone is reason enough to update the bike. Once again I had to use a hammer and chisel to persuade the fixed BB cup to unscrew.

My other R20 is a '74 and this is a '70. The main difference I have found is the stem and bars which are one piece on the older model. Also the rear brake bridge is marked "ESGE" on the '70 and not on the '74.

If you plan to use the standard fork and headset bushing, be careful removing the bushing. The flange broke off of this one as soon as I started to remove it. Fortunately I have the one from my other R20. It looks like they changed the material of the bushing between '70 and '74.

The Brooks saddle has double rails as well and springs in the back and smaller springs under the leather, very cush. I want to change the seatpost and keep the seat so I'll have to look for an adapter for the double rail seat - I think Brooks makes one.

I general, the welding looks cleaner on the '70 model than on the '74. Maybe the '74 was made on a Friday afternoon after a pub lunch. :rolleyes:

Hey Cheq, sounds very sensible the things you intend to do. The original saddle is more than fine for anything up to an hour of sustained riding. However i was pretty darn pleased when i replaced it and the steel post with an Alu post (lighter and more extension) as well as a B 17. The b17 is no lightweight but despite that it felt like Carbon Fiber when compared to my original saddle and post, my god what boatanchors. Also the original saddle is a PVC/Vinyl Brooks right? Not actually leather?But if you rarely intend to lift the bike all that about weight is moot.

I do have a source (but here in NL) for a very nice and affordable rail adaptor if you can't find anything there.

I was wondering is the Twenty actually Welded? Or brazed?

Anyhow, it sure is a Beauty! Can't wait to see your final incarnation! :)

Just a note on a R20 part I've found you can still source if anyone wanted to fit an original Pletscher swiss-made aluminium rear rack to their Twenty - you can get them here:

http://www.sjscycles.com/store/vIndex.htm?item5999.htm

Is all. Thanks
Huw

Just a note on a R20 part I've found you can still source if anyone wanted to fit an original Pletscher swiss-made aluminium rear rack to their Twenty - you can get them here:

http://www.sjscycles.com/store/vIndex.htm?item5999.htm

It says 'Pletscher copy', not 'original Pletscher'. Also says 'axle fitting'. Any idea on the actual origin, quality or point of mounting?

Better to look for the real thing at garage sales, IMO.

Fair point - I meant to say 'pletscher style';) From the photo they look like a good facsimile of the original item though. I'd definitely part with the cash if I wanted one...

Hey Cheq, sounds very sensible the things you intend to do. The original saddle is more than fine for anything up to an hour of sustained riding. However i was pretty darn pleased when i replaced it and the steel post with an Alu post (lighter and more extension) as well as a B 17. The b17 is no lightweight but despite that it felt like Carbon Fiber when compared to my original saddle and post, my god what boatanchors. Also the original saddle is a PVC/Vinyl Brooks right? Not actually leather?But if you rarely intend to lift the bike all that about weight is moot.

I do have a source (but here in NL) for a very nice and affordable rail adaptor if you can't find anything there.

I was wondering is the Twenty actually Welded? Or brazed?

Anyhow, it sure is a Beauty! Can't wait to see your final incarnation! :)

I did a minimal update (changed out the bottom bracket, crank, tires, and brake shoes) and took the bike out for a 20 mile ride today. I am not so fond of the saddle (vinyl, as you say) or the handle bars (no front-back adjustment). It was not bad but could be much better and 32 lbs :eek: is pretty heavy for a 20" wheel bike. So I going for the total conversion. Right now, I'm looking for a fork. Can't find a rigid 20" fork with a steerer long enough yet. I may have to ask you to help me out with that. :o First I'm going to look into forks with removable 1" steerers and see what it would cost to have a steerer made.

The frames must be welded because there are no lugs at the tube joints.

B66S Brooks leather saddle. Those rigid handlebars have a lot less adjustment than a separate handlebar - stem combo. Check V1nce's web site for a fork recommendation.

I did a minimal update (changed out the bottom bracket, crank, tires, and brake shoes) and took the bike out for a 20 mile ride today. I am not so fond of the saddle (vinyl, as you say) or the handle bars (no front-back adjustment). It was not bad but could be much better and 32 lbs :eek: is pretty heavy for a 20" wheel bike. So I going for the total conversion. Right now, I'm looking for a fork. Can't find a rigid 20" fork with a steerer long enough yet. I may have to ask you to help me out with that. :o First I'm going to look into forks with removable 1" steerers and see what it would cost to have a steerer made.

The frames must be welded because there are no lugs at the tube joints.

Cheg,

Check out this fork: http://63.239.115.228/nondealer/product.phtml?p=8969

J & B part# 67453 (Sun Bicycles Replacement Fork for 2001-2003 EZ-Sport Recumbent)

I just put this fork on my Twenty. It works great. You can even use it with the stock bushing. I believe the steerer tube length is about 230mm. I needed to use some spacers, but all is well so far. Oh, and the fork is ready to accept your favorite V-Brake assembly.

I ordered it through my LBS. Cost me about $50.00.

Good luck!

-CH

Thanks, I ordered one today through my LBS.

Thanks, I ordered one today through my LBS.

Cheg,

I'm glad I was able help. I believe I actually found out about this fork through another Twenty owner's post on this forum. Hope it works out as well for you as it did for me.

I am just about finished with the mods on my wife's Twenty (her Christmas present). Could have bought a very nice new FOLDER with the $$$ I spent piecing together the parts for this project. I did, however, get exactly what I wanted . . . and it was a whole lotta fun doing the research, gathering the parts, and putting in the necessary garage time. I'll try to post a link to some photographs of the bike after I'm finished. I'm very happy with what I have created to this point. Can't wait to go for a good test ride after this darn rain stops falling.

-CH

. . . . . .

there wasn't a picture of the fork in that link. what's it like? i got an old bmx fork with a 1" steerer and had an extention welded on to fit my twenty. cost about $60cdn all together. i wish i could say how it rides, but i'm sitting on my hands waiting for phil to send the correct bb cups (sent me the french ones by mistake) before i can go for a test ride.

cheg... how did you do your bottom bracket? the phil/un72 combo?

there wasn't a picture of the fork in that link. what's it like? i got an old bmx fork with a 1" steerer and had an extention welded on to fit my twenty. cost about $60cdn all together. i wish i could say how it rides, but i'm sitting on my hands waiting for phil to send the correct bb cups (sent me the french ones by mistake) before i can go for a test ride.

cheg... how did you do your bottom bracket? the phil/un72 combo?

Yes, I used Phil rings and a UN72 bearing. The first thread on the drive side damaged but I had the threads chased at a local Raleigh dealer and carefully threaded the ring in with lots of locktite. I don't plan on ever taking that side out again.

Here's a picture of the fork in use:
http://www.sunbicycles.com/03/html_04/recumbents/ezsport_cx.html

there wasn't a picture of the fork in that link. what's it like? i got an old bmx fork with a 1" steerer and had an extention welded on to fit my twenty. cost about $60cdn all together. i wish i could say how it rides, but i'm sitting on my hands waiting for phil to send the correct bb cups (sent me the french ones by mistake) before i can go for a test ride.

cheg... how did you do your bottom bracket? the phil/un72 combo?


Here are some photographs of my wife's 1970 Twenty with the EZ-Sport fork:

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=2626&stc=1

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=2628&stc=1


Here's a closeup of the fork:

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=2627&stc=1

Raleigh Germany have an interesting shaft drive model, as well as a Brompton copy

http://www.raleigh-bikes.de/bikes/uni_modell.asp?kat=Mobility&id=904155

Hmmm...! That Brompton copy seems very interesting for the money (500 - 750)!
might be good to add to chops` list?
Anybody have some specs on that bike?

Some updates to the new R20 project. Rev 1

Still SA 3 speed
Sun recumbent fork
Flat bars w/ barends
Alloy front wheel
Maxxis Hookworm tires
Thudbuster seatpostFront brake changed to V-brake and then to cantilever
Brake levers changed to Deore XT then to Diacompe XC
Pictures show addition of fenders, bottle cage, and rack.

Nice! I like it, especially the Fork (looks strong yet not super/beefy or heavy) and the Thudbuster.

How much did the recumbent fork cost?
How come you went from V-Brake to Canti's....?

I was wondering, more people here run the Maxxis Hookworm tires, could someone give me some opinions on those (price, puncture proofness, rolling resistance etc).

Hi Cheg,

That is a very Cool Twenty!! :)

It certainly is an inspiration for me, as I'm in the middle of a conversion of my own.

Unfortunately, mine isn't in quite the same good state as yours, but it's fun none the less! :o

Congratulations on a job well done!!

Some updates to the new R20 project. Rev 1

Still SA 3 speed
Sun recumbent fork
Flat bars w/ barends
Alloy front wheel
Maxxis Hookworm tires
Thudbuster seatpostFront brake changed to V-brake and then to cantilever
Brake levers changed to Deore XT then to Diacompe XC
Pictures show addition of fenders, bottle cage, and rack.

Hi Cheg!

Great job on your bike!!! How does it ride compared to your other Twenty?

Glad to see that the Sun fork worked out well for you. It looks like you had to use a few spacers. I used four spacers and the cool Raleigh cable guide on my Twenty with the Sun fork. I may cut the steerer some day if I have problems maintaining tension. Hey, are you still using the plastic bushing at the top of the head tube or did you swap it out for a basic threaded head set? I'm still using the plastic bushing.

How do you like the Thudbuster seat post? Also, how did you fit it to your bike. I don't think the Thudbuster is available in the 28.6mm size that the Twenty calls for. Did you a smaller post and a shim? I'm still experimenting with different seats on my bike. Since I have it set up for an extreme upright riding position, I might go for a wide cruiser type saddle. My Kalloy seat post is not doing too well either. May have to switch it out for a stronger post that does a better at job maintianing seat alignment.

I have a very basic Tektro V-Brake set-up on the front of my bike. It has worked well so far.

The Maxis Hookworms are great tires. I have them on my tadpole trike. Love 'em.

The fork was only about $60. It's a Sun EZ-Sport recumbent replacement fork. In the US, your LBS can order it from J&B Importers, part #67453. The steerer is plenty long enough. I had the LBS install the headset and they used about 20 mm worth of spacers between the locknut and the threaded race.

The Thudbuster was originally on our tandem but we upgrded that to a Tamer post and this one was idle. I got the shim for free from an LBS. Not much demand for 28.6 mm shims I guess.

I already had all of the parts for both cantis and v-brakes. I switched to cantilevers because there was no room for a fender with the v-brakes. Also cantis are very strong and reliable brakes. IMO they are less prone to squeaking than v-brakes and they are easier to release for removing the wheel.

I like the Hookworms. They are heavy but have low rolling resistance and pretty good puncture resistance. I got a pair to $20 at a local shop that was closing down. They are usually about $35/pair. You can run anywhere from 60 to 110 psi in them.

Hi Cheg!

Great job on your bike!!! How does it ride compared to your other Twenty?

Glad to see that the Sun fork worked out well for you. It looks like you had to use a few spacers. I used four spacers and the cool Raleigh cable guide on my Twenty with the Sun fork. I may cut the steerer some day if I have problems maintaining tension. Hey, are you still using the plastic bushing at the top of the head tube or did you swap it out for a basic threaded head set? I'm still using the plastic bushing.

How do you like the Thudbuster seat post? Also, how did you fit it to your bike. I don't think the Thudbuster is available in the 28.6mm size that the Twenty calls for. Did you a smaller post and a shim? I'm still experimenting with different seats on my bike. Since I have it set up for an extreme upright riding position, I might go for a wide cruiser type saddle. My Kalloy seat post is not doing too well either. May have to switch it out for a stronger post that does a better at job maintianing seat alignment.

I have a very basic Tektro V-Brake set-up on the front of my bike. It has worked well so far.

The Maxis Hookworms are great tires. I have them on my tadpole trike. Love 'em.

This one is a lot different from my other because that one has skinny tires and bullhorn bars. This one is more of a cruiser at the moment. I need to get my other R20 back home so I can exchange some parts. I want to put the fat tires and flat bars together with my Sachs 3x7 wheel on the frame with the suspension fork and put the skinny tires and bullhorns on the one with the rigid fork to see how light I can get it. The brown one is in Florida right now waiting for my next business trip down there.

I had a Deore threaded headset sitting around and I got it installed by the shop that ordered my fork. They said that the fork crown race was a bit small for that fork and they modified the fork to make it fit. That's why I don't mind paying a shop to install my headsets ;) .

I had the Thudbuster left over from upgrading out tandem and I got the shim for free from another LBS. It was a 28.6 to 25.4 shim. I know you can order 28.6 to 27.2 shims from Cane Creek's website http://www.canecreek.com . 27.2 is probably the most common seatpost size around.

The Hookworms are great. I have the 26" version on my Monster Garage bike:
http://home.comcast.net/~cheg01/db_640.jpg

By Jove that IS a monster! I like it. :)

Hey is that a Sheepskin Seat cover..... I have always wondered about those, suppossed to be very comfy, like having a Chamois on all the time,. is that true?

By Jove that IS a monster! I like it. :)

Hey is that a Sheepskin Seat cover..... I have always wondered about those, suppossed to be very comfy, like having a Chamois on all the time,. is that true?

I've had the seatcover for so long that it has lost most of it's cush. It was quite nice when it was new.

Since that picture was taken I've switched the bike to a Shimano 7 speed hub and roller brake in the back and a Sachs drum brake in the front. The ultimate foul weather beater! :rolleyes: . I'll probably sell it soon - I never ride it any more because I always want to ride a folder or the road bike I've had for over 20 years.

Hi Cheg,

That is a very Cool Twenty!! :)
It certainly is an inspiration for me, as I'm in the middle of a conversion of my own.
Unfortunately, mine isn't in quite the same good state as yours, but it's fun none the less! :o
Congratulations on a job well done!!

Can we see more of Goldie please EasyRacer? Nice to see another UK Twenty on the site...
It's looking fine with it's 7 (8?) derailleur, black forks and stripped down look... I love that you kept the original chainguard...

Huw

I love that you kept the original chainguard...
It looked to me like that part was gone... ;)

What's your gear ratio there, Cheg? Looks like 40 or 42 x 18. I'm curious, cause I've recently been experimenting with different gear ratios coupled w/ SA 3-speeds.

It looked to me like that part was gone... ;)

What's your gear ratio there, Cheg? Looks like 40 or 42 x 18. I'm curious, cause I've recently been experimenting with different gear ratios coupled w/ SA 3-speeds.

I think he was referring to easyracer's chainguard.

That is a 40 x 15 right now. I have 52 chainring and 13 & 14 cogs but I haven't got around to changing it yet. I think I'll try either 52 x 15 or 40 x 13.

I think he was referring to easyracer's chainguard

Erm yes I was... ;)

Can we see more of Goldie please EasyRacer? Nice to see another UK Twenty on the site...
It's looking fine with it's 7 (8?) derailleur, black forks and stripped down look... I love that you kept the original chainguard...

Huw

Hi LittlePixel,

Thanks for the kind words... Goldie will be pleased! :) It's a big compliment, as your lovely blue Twenty was my original inspiration for the whole project! :o

Unfortunately, it's having major surgery at the moment as the old cotter pinned crank is well and truely stuck... I think it will have to be a case of drilling, or disc-cutting the thing off!

I've already got an old suntour set of cranks, and a *** style bottom bracket, to replace it.

It also only has five gears on it at the moment, but another odd item is waiting. I have a Sturmey Archer Elite ST hub, which has a hub brake and also room for a 7 speed freewheel. the only problem is the last gear on each of the freewheels is unusable as it get very close to the frame! Chainsaw anyone? ;)

The black forks are just the originals! I was going to paint the whole bike black, and I still might, but for the time being I quite like the original wafer thin gold, with the grey undercoat showing through.

I kept the chainguard to keep Goldie as practical as possible, and I may even try and get some black mudguards to match.

The only other mod it has are the BMX U-brakes!

Here's to the mutual appreciation club! hehe.

I really like Goldie's looks... The chunky pedals and black parts set it off even if the frame's paint is wearing a wee bit thin. Having black forks transforms it. And I love the curved stem. Loads nicer than my non-curved original which I had to sling out on account of it's ugliness.

I say - get it sprayed gold again! Or pearl white. That would look totally splendid!
(oh fyi - mine is more grey than blue though it has a hint of it on a good clear day. Was meant to be more like a stealth charcoal grey but I think the paint guy did a 50% White/50% Black mix rather than the 20/80% ratio I asked for. Whatever - it was a happy accident and I think it looks better that it would have in retrospect.

Can I ask where you got your rims from? I want to build a new set with a proper fixed track hub (my suicide hub was a bit dodgy but a good intro to fixed riding) - but I can't seem to find any good suppliers online (other than Kinetics which has a tiny range). There are shed-loads of people selling bombproof 1-3/4" BMX rims but they have too many spokes, are way over-engineered (and heavy) and don't take skinny tyres well (well they go on but can you get them off easily? Over those big flanges....? Oohhhh no!)

Wanting some black aero profile anodised 406s with machined rims and 28/32 hole drilling in 1" or 1 1/4" width. Is it really that hard to find a couple of wheel rims like that????

Good luck with the crank surgery. My LBS had to use an angle grinder to get my old BB out...
They said it was a total pig to remove so I can relate!

Keep us up to date. Might even see you in London sometime!?!?!
:)

Another cool Twenty! I don't think I could have modified one that nice though.

I've avoided the folding threads lately as they only depress me. Everything will be boxed up by this weekend.

Here's to the mutual appreciation club! hehe.

I really like Goldie's looks... The chunky pedals and black parts set it off even if the frame's paint is wearing a wee bit thin. Having black forks transforms it. And I love the curved stem. Loads nicer than my non-curved original which I had to sling out on account of it's ugliness.

I say - get it sprayed gold again! Or pearl white. That would look totally splendid!
(oh fyi - mine is more grey than blue though it has a hint of it on a good clear day. Was meant to be more like a stealth charcoal grey but I think the paint guy did a 50% White/50% Black mix rather than the 20/80% ratio I asked for. Whatever - it was a happy accident and I think it looks better that it would have in retrospect.

Can I ask where you got your rims from? I want to build a new set with a proper fixed track hub (my suicide hub was a bit dodgy but a good intro to fixed riding) - but I can't seem to find any good suppliers online (other than Kinetics which has a tiny range). There are shed-loads of people selling bombproof 1-3/4" BMX rims but they have too many spokes, are way over-engineered (and heavy) and don't take skinny tyres well (well they go on but can you get them off easily? Over those big flanges....? Oohhhh no!)

Wanting some black aero profile anodised 406s with machined rims and 28/32 hole drilling in 1" or 1 1/4" width. Is it really that hard to find a couple of wheel rims like that????

Good luck with the crank surgery. My LBS had to use an angle grinder to get my old BB out...
They said it was a total pig to remove so I can relate!

Keep us up to date. Might even see you in London sometime!?!?!
:)

The curved stem is the original one. It does look good, I must admit, but unfortunately on the later Twenty models they changed it to a clamped stem which didn't do it justice.

My rims are just some 20 x 1.75" I got from a kids MTB, nothing special, but I'm also on the look out for some cool silver 1"-1.25" rims luckily in the more common 36 hole, with an aero profile.

I would think our best bet would be recumbent based dealers, as the closes thing I've seen in the BMX world are these:

http://www.alansbmx.com/product_info.php?products_id=2230

I'll have to get back to you, when I've had a good trawl of the net.

P.S. I've just had a thought. I have a great pair of 32 holed rims for my Brompton, Velocity Aeroheat, which I've found also come in 20", with the same width of 24mm (silver and black).

Here is their wesite: http://www.velocitywheels.com/

...but it doesn't say if they still produce them! :(

And here is a picture of a recumbent trike with the very things:

http://www.bentrideronline.com/reviews/wwedge/wwedge.htm

...scroll down to near the bottom.

Ta Da! :D

Hope that helps?

I think he was referring to easyracer's chainguard.

That is a 40 x 15 right now. I have 52 chainring and 13 & 14 cogs but I haven't got around to changing it yet. I think I'll try either 52 x 15 or 40 x 13.
I'm partial to 44 x 21 or 44 x 19 on an SA 3-speed or 44 x 19 or 40 x 17 on a 1-speed coaster brake hub. My knees and lungs aren't what they used to be. ;)

The curved stem is the original one. It does look good, I must admit, but unfortunately on the later Twenty models they changed it to a clamped stem which didn't do it justice.
I've got the curved stem on my RSW 16 and the clamped stem on my '20. I agree that the curved stem is 'cooler', but it is welded and the adjustability of the clamped stem can't be beat...

So is it ok to file the dropouts a wee bit to fit a slightly thicker axle, or do I need to wait and swap out the fork? I now have some decent rims, but only to set mine up as a single speed.

@ Expat, so you mean filling out the drops of the original fork and the drops in the frame at the back? If so i say it is fine to do this, it is one of the first things i did since the axle size they are made for is obsolete prety much. However if you do this proceed with caution. You need to file out the fork a litle on all sides, so that the new axle/wheel will still be straight and the fork blades/drops as strong as possible. As for the frame, you only file out 1! side on both drops, otherwise it will be near impossible to get your wheels in there real straight,.. i think i filled out only the bottom part of the drop (the plane closest to the ground) but you better double check this!

It is not a hard job at all, but you need an appropiate file, common sense and patience. Should take no more than 30 to 60 minutes.

The curved stem is the original one. It does look good, I must admit.
It does. Shame you can't still get them...


I would think our best bet would be recumbent based dealers, as the closes thing I've seen in the BMX world are these:
http://www.alansbmx.com/product_info.php?products_id=2230

I'll have to get back to you, when I've had a good trawl of the net.

Thanks for the info. After many searches I hit the motherlode - at least for Europe. This place in the Netherlands (http://www.recumbentparts.com) has a really good supply of aero and even carbon (drool) 5-spoke 406 rims. I have my chequebook ready - once amazon send me that pesky wheelbuilding book!!! (need a track hub rear see)

Beautifull wheels, bu, but,.... did you win the lottery...? More than 400 or 500 Euros for a wheel?! Plus i was wondering, are non spoke and or carbon wheels comfortable at all.. do they flex enough to cushion the ride. Still, i'll be curious to see what you wind up with and how you like it! :)

no i didn't win the lottery - my chequebook is out merely because I'm amazed to find any 406 wheels that aren't armour-plated 48spoke bmx wheels. A modest 32 h aero profile with 1 1/4" width was all I did seek and lo I did find them! (Eventually)

Well then sir i congratulate you on your find and hope you end up supremely happy with whatever you purchase. And 48 Spoke is really crazy excessive indeed. Your Twenty is def. going to be one of the blingest ones out there. Can't wait for the page update & possible review!

Thanks for the info. After many searches I hit the motherlode - at least for Europe. This place in the Netherlands (http://www.recumbentparts.com) has a really good supply of aero and even carbon (drool) 5-spoke 406 rims. I have my chequebook ready - once amazon send me that pesky wheelbuilding book!!! (need a track hub rear see)

Carbon wheels - Feh! This is what you need for maximum bling. Only 4 kg. for the pair... :eek:

Haha Spinnners - brilliant!

Bahling! Thug Folder Life!