Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Vintage clincher rims

I was looking at a track wheelset someone locally is selling. The wheelset is unused but built up from deadstock vintage (1980s) hubs and Campy clincher rims. I was wondering about riding clincher rims this old, even deadstock ones -- I've heard old clinchers aren't nearly as strong as modern ones, though heavier. I'm wondering if it's a bad idea to ride these. I would be using this wheelset on the street, not the track. Anybody have any experience or knowledge of this?
Thanks!

Ride them.

Check the Classic and Vintage forum; they'll give you good info.

Ride them.

Check the Classic and Vintage forum; they'll give you good info.

OK, thanks very much

what hubs are they?
Hub technology as far as loose ball hubs hasnt changed much since the 80's, and rims probably wont make a huge difference. I ride a set of wheels from the 80's on my road bike and they were basically NOS when I got them and they are awesome.

I ride '80s rims on 2 of my bikes and they are still going strong

what hubs are they?
Hub technology as far as loose ball hubs hasnt changed much since the 80's, and rims probably wont make a huge difference. I ride a set of wheels from the 80's on my road bike and they were basically NOS when I got them and they are awesome.

They are Campy Record hubs

They are Campy Record hubs

if you dont want em you should hook a brother up.

Well they ain't cheap!


if you dont want em you should hook a brother up.

I've got some Wolber road clinchers that are probably early 90's. I've punished them and they've held up flawlessly.

I run wire ons and run older hubs like Normandy's, Sansin, Suzue, and love em all.

I have some SW Weinmann's on Normandy high flange hubs that live on my Peugeot and they have been pounded for 5000 plus kilometres without needing to see a spoke wrench (I re-tuned the already built wheels). They are really quite light, beautiful, and for a 150 pound guy, plenty strong enough.

Old clinchers did not always have the little ledge on the inside of the rim that helps to hold the tire bead in place.
Therefore there is a small safety risk as the tire may come off while riding.
I wouldn't ride wheels without this safety feature.
Check the rim before you buy.