Classic & Vintage - The BEST 80s clincher rim?

So, I've begun the collection of 83/84 parts for the 1983 Allez San Rensho. The bike would have come with Mavic GP4 tubulars on Super Record 32h originally but I can't imagine tubular hassle for the bike in riding form.

I want the look of a GP4 (dark hard anodize) but clincher convenience. Of course if I can squeeze some today type performance out of it I'd like that too.

What's the best balance of 80s appearance and performance from today? I appreciate your input!

Reed

MA40's came in a dark anodized version, as did Open Pro's, Open 4's, and others.

Good to see you resurface (lucky dog) I read you on the tubs. ; plenty of time for exact correctness when you decide to sell the bike.. etc.

What do you favor ? Used. Pro-built, off the shelf ? I have ideas somewhat narrowed down but... ? I also can see that you don't need uber-light -racey

The MA40 rim was the clincher counterpart of the GP4. IIRC, you could switch out GP4 wheelsets with MA40 wheelsers without adjusting the brakes.

If you want modern, check out the Open Pro.

I agree the MA40, or the Open 4. however you might find the Ambrosio quicker and cheaper. Rigida used to make a nice dark rim too.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/JRWJR/bikes/PA240134.jpg

I'd have to vote for Wolber Super Champion Alpine for the best blend of dark anodizing, light weight, and strength. The Wolber GTX is pretty close. An Araya Super Hard in dark anodize is also a good choice, and not hard to find.

If I was building from scratch, and already had my hubs, for a dark anodize hub, modern performance, the Velocity Aerohead in dark grey is pretty cool. Definitely modern, though.

I'll look at them all. Without thinking about budget I want to make it a riding bike first (softly an not in the rain) and then collectable after. Two sets of gear. One NOS for the museum and one for fun ('cause if it aint fun then why do it?).

These wheels will definitely be built by a pro from era correct Campagnolo Super Record hubs. I just bought the 32h hubs today.

Thanks and any good sources would be appreciated.

Reed

campagnolo omega v clinchers:thumb:
these are 32H laced to campagnolo record pista (for best)

new mavic open pro cds are lovely too...
i have a set of these laced to 32H Paul high flange for everyday singlespeed/fixed commuting

Personally, I would avoid all hard anodized rims. They are more susceptible to cracking and having spokes pull though the rim. Campagnolo's Omega V are particulalry susceptible due to the lack of eyelets.