Classic & Vintage - C&V aluminum rims?

I need a pair of 27 inch rims, aluminum, prefer silver, 36 holes. I want some width, I don't really want a 14 mm inner width. I'll be building them into wheels for my UO-8, on a 120 rear hub. So far (ebay, other lists, et cetera) I'm exposed to Weinmann, Araya, CR-18s, Ukai, and some Rigida. I was into tubulars all the time these were hot items in the market - anybody know which ones are the best ones? Strength, trueness, proper spoke tension?

All are reputable brands and I have examples of most of them on a variety of bikes. I think the CR-18/M-13 are the best bang for the buck and are available in satin or polish in most sizes. (not sure about the size you want) My default rim is usually the CR-18 when replacing steel wheels or cheap single thickness alloy rims.

Aaron :)

Given the choice, I'd opt for Weinmann Concaves for that application, though I think all the ones you mentioned are winners.

My experience has been with Mavic MA-2, Rigida 1320, Weinmann Concave, Araya, and Sun CR-18. I would definitely rate the Mavic MA-2 best overall but may be too narrow for your preference. I run my MA-2's with 1" or 1 1/8" tires - I like Michelin Bib Sport if I can get them. I didn't have a good experience with the Rigida 1320, they seem soft and didn't hold true. The CR-18 is a good strong (heavy) rim with the right shape and width but just doesn't have the right vintage look. The Weinmann Concave and Araya I have used have trouble holding evenly a wired-on tire bead. Even my Araya with Paselas tend to seat unevenly. I agree that the Concaves have a good vintage look and are strong.

Jim

Thanks, gents! I haven't seen if the Weinmanns are Concave, but I think not since I can usually see that in pictures.

The Rigida I see have blue labels that say "heat-treated" and a the flat/rounded back surface like a vintage Mavic tubular rim, say MA-40. Would those be the 1320 model?

@Leaping_Gnome: On Ebay a seller has a pair of Araya clinchers. One is marked "W/O" for "wired-on" and one is not. Did your experience include both varieties? Did the W/O not hold wire-bead tires well? I'd assume it has better retention than the non-W/O.

The CR-18 is the easy solution, to be sure, since Tree Fort has them in stock and is a a local shop for me.

I am not certain what the seller means by "W/O".

If he means non-hooked, I wouldn't dare use them with anything other than a wired-bead tire.
I do run some non-hooked rims at lower pressure - with wired beads, with no issue.

I'm pretty sure it means "wired-on."

The strongest, if can find them, are probably the aero profile, box section, Araya ADX-2 (16mm).

The strongest, if can find them, are probably the aero profile, box section, Araya ADX-2 (16mm).

No doubt the strongest, but IMO not in keeping with the C&V appearance of a U08 .

http://velobase.com/CompImages/Rims/0D713F84-219B-4DF5-A6DF-B50BED6175DD.jpeg

The old, blue label Super Champions can be nice too, if you can find some.

We have 2 27" bikes in hard use in the family. One with Wolber Super Champion Gentleman, and one with Mavic G40. Both have proven strong, true and reliable for everyday use.

Are you looking for an old rim or new? I'm sure most of the new rims will provide a better strength-to-weight ratio than the old ones, so you can get something stronger or lighter than the old ones, or both.

Thanks, gents.

Any rim sets for sale?

Are you looking for an old rim or new? I'm sure most of the new rims will provide a better strength-to-weight ratio than the old ones, so you can get something stronger or lighter than the old ones, or both.

Why are you sure the new ones are all better - just looking for insight here! My priority is to find old rims, but I do need some soon. If I can't find a decent set of older ones I'd buy some Suns locally.

I'm looking for decent rims for a low price. It's a vintage bike, but this is not a restoration. It's a make-a-bike project. This project is never going to the Cirque. It's enough to have silver rims.