dignandag

going to rebuild my wheels with either open pros or tb14s. using black hubs, so going with black rims.

just curious if anyone has experience with the tb14s and brake wear. i know these are anodized after machining...read an opinion somewhere stating that it would take a long time for the black side walls to wear off. anyone know first hand?

as far as the open pros, i have read about quality control issues lately with eyelet cracks. however, i think since there are so many people riding OPs there are bound to be issues here and there...perhaps overblown on the internet?

hairnet

The tb14s looks cool, like older Mavic rims that were all hard anodized. You should be satisfied either way

Scrodzilla

Dude, get a clue. Stuff never gets blown out of proportion on the internet.

cc700

open pro are tried and true. the tb14 are made to look like ambrosios and i think they look great but neither have super thick brake surfaces, i don't know if either are meant to withstand season after season of long term brake useage ... i think pros get like three or four years out of open pros, max. can't imagine tb14s would be more.

using new and clean pads that are free of grit will impact more rim longevity than the difference between the braking surfaces will.

dignandag

i like the look of an all black rim, but i imagine that black brake surface will wear off quickly on the tb14...or will it?

Mr. Mcshiny

In my opinion, the only reason to go with the TB's is aesthetics, which is not unimportant. I had this same dilemma and went with the open pro because they are around 90g lighter. But I will probably use a different rim next time as that shiny brake surface bugs me now.

Retro Grouch 

Only if you use your brake.

Scrodzilla

This. Why would you want to stop?

dignandag

Yeah, basically tb14 over OP for aesthetics only.

I use a brake, so open pros or may check out A23s

theworldisours

For those considering the black anodized tb14s - Here is a photo of my front rim after 5 months of use. Started riding them in January, cleaned the brake pads before every ride. Used Koolstop salmon pads. The finish held up for about two weeks, then after I got one scratch, it just melted away. The rims build up nice and are really tough, but the black finish is no good. My 30 year old GP4s have more finish left on them. Too bad, great looking rim when new.

8bits

there's also the Open Pro with ceramic coating, it's dark grey but I believe they can withstand more abuse before turning silver.

8bits

also, I have a pair of silver TB14's and I love it.

hairnet

eats brake pads too

8bits

I believe there's an appropriate brake pad for ceramic rims tho...I *think* it's the green kool stop

8bits

yep, it is

https://www.koolstop.com/english/compounds.html check the green

dignandag

I ended up going with the silver tb14's to silver low flange phil woods

very happy with them!

Scrodzilla

I haven't had mine long but I'm really happy with my TB14s too and everything I've heard/read about them being difficult to build is a load of crap.

hairnet

why would they be difficult to build?

Scrodzilla

I've read a lot about how they're not round or straight from the factory. Mine were literally the easiest wheels I've ever built.

Stezzy

ive had my open pro cds for like 5 months and the braking surface is still in great shape. small wear marks but nothing noticeable without being 2inches from it. i only run a front brake and it stops easily enough. im not using the cool green ceramic pads either

Scrodzilla

What are "brakes"?

hairnet

Ceramic rims are supposed to have superior braking and longevity, but I read they just eat through regular pads

Scrodzilla

Would you rather your rims wear out quickly or your brake pads?

hairnet

I was just pointing it out. I'd like to try them out

Scrodzilla

I didn't necessarily mean you, I was just generalizing.