Originally Posted by
krems81
If you're trying to keep the retro look, folks are right that the vo rims will probably fit the bill better than anything else available except new old stock. I can't vouch for their quality yet, as I haven't had a chance to build them. I'd be really interested to know WHO makes them, which is more than half the answer about quality. Either way, I'm sure they will be strong enough and serve you well. Its not like the Paramount will be your beater bike, needing super strong rims for daily, heavy commuting use, will it?
Regardless of quality, the 606mm erd on the vo rims is fairly shallow, so they're not beefy rims meant to take a heavy beating. They're double wall, so I'm sure they're strong enough, but potholes could cause damage if you run skinny tires and take them hard. Treat it like the beautiful bike it is, and those rims should be jut fine. They will look much more appropriate than open sports.
I agree the VO rims are the way to go. I'll report on these next month once the wheelset is tested on the road.
I've been able to source what I need for the wheel-set. I found a matching front hub for my 121mm wide high-flange Dura Ace 5 speed rear hub on eBay. I recently purchased a correct set of rebuildable Campagnolo Record high-flange hubs also, but the Dura Ace has been on the bike since 1982 and since these will be 700c wheels, I'm not totally concerned with authenticity. The VO rims with the Dura Ace hubs will out-perform the OEM wheelset without clashing with the otherwise original unit.
I agree that I will need to show special care for the wheels and the bike, I'll use 700x28 tires at 95 psi. I have a Soma Double Cross that will be used for most of my riding, including all bad weather usage.
I would like to take a couple dozen 55 mile rides from my home on the north side of Chicago to Lake Bluff (a 55 mile RT) on the Paramount next year. I would also like to try to ride a century on the bike. The fit of this bike might not allow long-distance riding, however.
Below are a few pictures of the Dura Ace hub and a picture of the bike;
Michael