Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - What Are Some 1980's Rims To Look For?

I want to build new wheels for my PSVN. I'm going to start looking for clincher rims that would be somewhat period-consistent, so dating from the 1980s or at least looking like that. Suitable width for a 700C 25 tire, as light as practical, 32 or 36 holes, prefer more of a box section but an unobtrusive aero is okay. Silver or gray. Likely be paired up w/ some Mavic hubs.

Problem is, I don't know enough "rim history" to know what to keep an eye out for. I was into mountain bikes in the 1980's, didn't pay attention to road rims. Mea culpa!

I did think of Mavic MA-2 and MA-40, are they the right vintage? Any other choices to look for? French brands preferred, or other European.

Oops. Wrong forum. Sorry.

Check out and do a standard search on Velospace (http://velobase.com/). I did a search for rims and 1980s - this is what I got (http://velobase.com/ListComponents.aspx?SearchID=a87d8c77-7239-47ab-b9c9-413710e96520). Velobase is an excellent website, for answering questions just like yours.

Mavic Module E's were very popular back then. They are quite narrow, so they match up to narrow, foldable high pressure tires very well (I used to run them on my PSV with Specialized Turbo S and VS tires) and are quite light too. They are very sought after by CVers though, so NOS and good used ones cost quite a bit. I think the E's come in both silver and dark anodized finishes.
The MA40's are strong, well built, box section rims, and are quite wider than Module E's, so wider tires will be happy on them. I just got a clincher wheelset with my recenly bought project bike and it has almost brand new MA40 rims, Only thing I don't like about them is their heavyish weight.

Chombi

Thanks! I've got some searches going now.

I did look up rims on Velobase, the thing is, I can't really tell from that site what rims were good. better, or best back in the day.

I would just pick a brand (Mavic, Wolber, Rigida, etc) and start doing some ebay searches. Then buy based on weight and cost.

Really depends what your budget is, many of those old 700c rims go for a lot.

I would just pick a brand (Mavic, Wolber, Rigida, etc) and start doing some ebay searches. Then buy based on weight and cost.

Really depends what your budget is, many of those old 700c rims go for a lot.

I agree people want crazy money for old rims. I snatch up Ambrosio (tubulars) whenever I see themor a decent price but even those are getting crazy.


To the OP personally I would just find a current model polished or bright anodized box section clincher with eyelets and use those. Could be $20 a rims versus $50+ and how many pople would really know?