RJMurphy

I have an old Bianchi that I'm trying to bring up to date since the spokes are brittle and the rims are rusting on the wheels. It's a mid 80's with Rigida rims. Being a 5 speed freewheel on the back, and spaced at 110mm, I can't get 120/130 on there without grinding. As a work around, I was going to just buy newer rims (lighter the better) and keep the hubs polished and buy new spokes. I can figure out the build, but have NO idea where to go rims wise. I'm looking for mid market rims that are decently light. Nothing too crazy. I thought I'd ask BF before the LBS because they seem to be extremely pushy there and I don't feel comfortable asking questions like this there. Thanks!

demoncyclist

An old steel framed Bianchi can have the rear triangle cold set to 130mm so you can use a modern wheel.

mrrabbit 

1980s?

110 rear with 5-speed freewheel?

Are you certain it's not a 70s or 60s Bianchi? For all you know you may just have a priceless collectible on your hands? A photo would be nice...

=8-)

RJMurphy

Oh my, I may have misspoken lol. I know my new Shimano WH-R10's do NOT fit on there at all. The bike is here https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ing?highlight= . I doubt it's anything special. But who knows! I have never found info on it, but I love her anyways !

Al1943

If the hubs are in excellent condition you can have new wheels built using the old hubs, new spokes and nipples, and new rims with rim tape.
Is the tire size 27 inches or 700 mm? Be sure that the new rim is the correct size.

RJMurphy

27x1 1/4. 36h back 32h front. I guess that's a very good question: do I have to stay 27? Will it be bad news if I went 700c but with the same hole count?? Any advice on makers??

Al1943

If the brake pads can be adjusted low enough to fit 700 wheels then the answer is yes, it is an easy conversion (700 mm rims are smaller than 27" rims due to the way the wheels are measured). If the pads cannot be adjusted low enough then you will have to deal with that problem, possibly new brake calipers. There is nothing wrong with 27" wheels. Tires and tubes are not too hard to find. Ask mrrabbit (post 3, above) about having wheels built. I build wheels but I'm not in the business.

davidad

If you want reliable wheels go with the Mavic Open Sport rims. Unless you are a skinny racer don't worry about the weight.

RJMurphy

I was more worried about expending energy on heavy rims. I'm not racing by any means, no, but I can feel the difference between 1970's. I'm not talking 16g wheels meant for someone 102lbs, ha. I'm 6' and 190lbs. I just don't want steel. I think Mavic would work fine if I can figure out the spacing thing.

mrrabbit 

Find some modern day single wall classic box profile rims - Araya or Weinmann copies and the like in POLISHED silver.

Rebuild wheels with some modern day straight 14g or double butted 14g/15g/14g stainless steel spokes...

That is actually a nice Bianchi - worth cleaning up - restoring - etc.

Sure it's not a nice racing bike, but it sure makes a good commute/touring bike.

=8-)

RJMurphy

Awesome ! I'm getting it repainted white and already ordered the new decals. Good to know the money isn't going to waste haha. Hope I can figure out this rim thing and be all set with a pretty new bike! Thanks all for the advice. Mrrabbit, if I do figure out which way to go, do you do builds?? Someone mentioned earlier.