Originally Posted by
rudypyatt
Thanks, Jeff and Mr. IGH. From what I can tell so far, per my LBS, limited tire selection is the problem. Saying that, I'll keep rolling on what I have, because it's not an unbearable situation. It's generally a fun bike as is, that's for sure.
Quick question on steel wheels more generally (forgive the noobishness please): My understanding is that most steel wheels have been heavy stainless steel or chromed items. Has anyone made - or is anyone making - wheels using Reynolds 520, 531 etc., or other high grade chromoly steels?
Not to my knowledge.(someone will now post a link to them somewhere
)
The problem with steel wheels is inherent in the weight of the material
itself, as well as the coefficient of friction in braking.
The steels you mention are not going to produce a stronger or much
lighter wheel. That's what alloy rims (easier to extrude into the
more modern box cross sections) and high quality SS spokes are
for. On the bike I posted as an illustration, there is a marked difference
in ability to accelerate and in braking from the steel rims that were
standard on "the all steel bicycle."
The fact that you can also get a wide variety of quality tires in
sizes large enough to handle crappy potholed roads and other
hazards of urban cycling pretty much dictated my own choice.
Also, a smaller rim diameter yields a stronger wheel, all other
things being equal. But it is a lot of work and requires skills
you may not have yet. I would not have paid someone to do
this conversion...........not cost effective vs price of new bike.