bres dad

I have a set of white rims on my '84 Paramount. The rims go well with the red & white color scheme. I bought some new FSA rims to use on another bike but honestly, I'm kinda thinking of using them on my Paramount. They are a little lighter but I'm looking at this from a looks perspective (normally I look at the functionality over looks but I'm making an exception here.) I like the white rims but they remind me of white walls or balloon tires, though it does give the bike a distinct vintage look. Any thoughts to what rims look best? I know its ultimately up to me but wanted to get some input from the audience. Worst case, I put the black rims on and if I don't like them... switch back.

what it looks like now:

gaucho777 

Don't you hate when you have 76 views and not one person willing to offer an opinion?...

I prefer the look of the white rims over the black rims in this case. As retro-grouch stick-in-the-mud, I'm partial to vintage box-section rims. Since you are already going with brifters and modern wheels, the deep section, graphic-laden black rims are sort of a toss up with the white rims, but I think the white rims work better with the tape, saddle and frame decals. I think it's what @RobbieTunes would do. This build seems up his alley.

Pompiere

I'd go with the black rims. To my eye, there is too much white with the rims, seat, cages, and bars and the black rims help balance it out. That being said, I usually ask my daughter for color advice, since she is always telling me my choices are wrong.

SJX426 

Black.

Lenton58 

This may seem an unfriendly, negative comment in answer to your question — but you did ask, so here goes:

The bike has been so modernized that I don't think the question of black or white matters. Reflecting on the latest taste in modern bicycles, the white is not out of place ... and IMHO neither would the black detract from the ensemble.

Everyone should follow their own instincts in these matters. I'm sure that this bike will be fabulous to ride, combining the slickness and efficiency of the new with the feeling of 'real steel' flowing under you. So, I'd go with whatever is convenient — given the alternatives you have described.

The Golden Boy 

I'll vote for the black.

But as most have said- it'll ride great and look great with either.

That's a beautiful bike and good luck!

lasauge 

Black - the white rims make the bike a less interesting red/white with black accents, black rims balance all the colors out and let the white accents really pop.

Sir_Name 

I vote black. The white lettering on them balances well with the saddle and tape, the black with the stem and seat post. The white rims pull (at least my) attention away from the frame. If it were mine I would also grab some black cages - maybe with white lettering/accents. Elite Custome Race would be a fine choice.

scozim 

Black would be my vote

OldsCOOL

Bet on Black.....

Wildwood 

There is no standard for Frankenbikes - either will do.

ThermionicScott 

My vote is for the black ones as well -- the white ones match other stuff on the bike, but it's a little too much for my taste.

non-fixie 

Black.

Maver71

I vote black. Just looks better imo

inkandsilver

Black and pull those decals off. There ya go.

Sixty Fiver

I agree.

Bianchigirll 

Silver box section clinchers or better yet tubulars.

Wulf

Put the rest of the spokes in. You have way too few.

Michael Angelo 

Leave the white wheels on it and pitch that stem.

bres dad

Black wins. When I built this up last winter I had some nice boxed silver Arayas that came from a PDG series Paramount (as did the rest of the components on the bike) I was going to use but one wheel developed a crack so I got the white rims.