Woebegone

Does anyone know of a good source for rims with fewer than 28 spoke holes? I'd like to use a set of road bike hubs to build some street wheels, but can only find MTB rims down to 28 holes. The hubs I'd like to use are 18 hole. Does anyone sell custom drillings?

Thanx,

Woe

pinkrobe

Use a 36-hole rim and skip every other hole. Seriously, it works fine.

Woebegone

I suppose that WOULD work, but doesn't really answer my question. I can't be the only one who'd like to do this. Don't some time trial bikes run 26" wheels? Would these be compatible with a mountian bike frame and fork? Do any rim builders offer custom drillings?

Woe

rb07

TT bikes sometimes run 650C tires, but those are not necessarily the same as 26'' wheels:

https://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

650C = 571 mm
26'' = 559 mm

Not to say that there isn't a TT bike that runs 559mm, but proceed cautiously...

Since you are asking about rims with less holes... looks like some DT Swiss rims have 28: https://www.dtswiss.com/Products/Comp...s/XRC-330.aspx

Found that by going to prowheelbuilder to get the rims they use and the going to the manufacturer for the count. Others may have them as well (Salsa does not... I tried them first). I have no experience with wheels of this type.

pinkrobe

If you have enough money, I'm sure you will find someone to custom drill the rims for you. Try www.ROLwheels.com or a similar small builder. It sounds like you are using rim brakes on a mtn bike frame. As was mentioned, make sure you get rims of a diameter that will work on your bike. 10mm difference is probably okay, but 20mm is starting to push it. Also, why 18H hubs? Are you just going for light weight, or is it aerodynamics, or are they just something you have handy?

ProFail

Stock trials bikes use 26" DH wheels on the rear and XC wheels (usually) on the front. I don't see how this would be advantageous for you.

miamijim

My 'road' wheels are Mavic Cross Rides with Continental Contact tires. They are light and fast

If your dead set on using the 18 hole hubs do what pinkrobe said.....run 36 hole rims and skip every hole. I built up a few sets of those 'back in the day'.