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So i've been building up a Merckx Corsa Extra (7-11 2007 reissue) with ultegra 6500/6600's, 28 front and 32 rear. My original plan was open pros but they didn't have silver in 28 hole, so any opinions on the GP4 being period correct? Also can anyone speak of the difference with the eyelets. Some are ERM7 treated and the other is just standard double.

wallymann

to be truly correct, you oughta be running wolber rims. that's what the slurpee poys rode.

GP4s were standard fare mavic race rims in the mid/late '80s. GL330 or GEL280 if you wanted to go light. all of these are classic box-section rims and would look great for an '80s inspired machine. i'd put a 28hole GL330 on the front and a 32hole GP4 on the back.

IMO an open-pro is too rounded to look correct. too modern. it needs to have a true box-section shape to look like it was from the '80s.

Chombi

Wolbers?, I assume something like Aspins. They fall in between Mavic 330s and 280's weight-wise but closer to 330s, so they should handle most riding condtions without problems. I have all three rim models and I have had no problems at all with them,.........but I do tend to be kinder to rims and try to avoid most bumps and holes on the road and never jump curbs.
If a more rugged wheelset is desired, Wolber Profil 20s will make for strong and stiff period aero rims. They also really look really good on a late 80's bikes.

Chombi

DiabloScott

GP4s were very popular sew up rims during that time. Good choice.
Are you looking for silver or unanodized rims? That'll be tougher, esp in 28°. GP4s were all dark gray I think.

bobbycorno

But, the hard-ano gray would be period-correct (as would silver).

SP
Bend, OR

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I'm particularly going to the dark grey color but silver would be awesome. I've located some 28 hole ones but they are being sold in pairs. Hopefully I can work a deal out but it doesn't hurt to have another GP4. But about the eyelets. Are they any differences between the ERM7 treated and just double?

canyoneagle

For most of the mid-late 80's I rode Wolber Aspins all the time - training, racing, etc and they held up really well. Great all-round, light rims, and period correct.

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I've found some GP4's but does anybody know what the differences are are between the red label ones and the purple label ones?

wallymann

i roll those on my retro bikes, clinchers though...they are indeed great rims...bombproof!

wallymann

IIRC...the red labels were the older design branding -- 80s and earlier, the purple came later -- '90s. get red labels if you can!

gomango

Agreed.

But I must say, I've got both and they are equally nice, depending on your build needs.

Also, double check weights just to be sure. I don't have them in front of me.

RoboIsGod

Wallymann- what are those handlebars you use in almost all of your bikes? I'm looking for something with a modern bend but that will fit in a quill stem.

wallymann

various 3ttt ergo bars. these are not new 3T bars, they are the old made-in-italy stuff before they started moving production to asia. ital-tecno in niagra, ny has some stock of them remaining. 25.8 clamp diameter. heavy.

look171

I have had many of those Mavic rim over the years. I really like the GP4s then G40s. I could not break the 36 spoke GP4. God knows I have tried. I raced 32 hole GL330s with Clement crit. setas, later Vittoria (sp?) CXs. Another rim I like is the Ambrosio Synthesis Durex. Absolutely bomb proof.

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So is the red labelled GP4 different in color or in performance? I'm certain that its bullet proof but what about the color? I've been offered a 28h red labelled GP4 however, my 32 rear is a purple label.