Actually these wheels felt pretty sturdy while pedalling around. Feltup did good, as far as that ubrake, no matter how it looks, it functions how it should, the pads set equal distances from the rim and work..it's just rim brakes have never really worked all to well for me. BTW...this bike will remain mechanic free...it's a SS project and it's gonna stay that way. The whole idea is to get by as cheaply as possible