Originally Posted by
David Laird
Can any of you mechanics recommend a good set of polished rims and appropriately-sized spokes for a 24" vintage Paramount frame? Where can I buy, say, a wheelset's worth (e.g., 150 spokes) of spokes of varying sizes? Do most bike shops have these (DT or Wheelsmith stainless)?
The odds are good that 610 centerpulls will reach the 700c rims. Try that first.
After you've chosen your rims and have calculated your spoke lengths ask your LBS if they have them. If they don't and you don't want to have them order them I suggest eBay seller "childhood_dreams". I have several hundred spokes from Lee over the last year. He can be contacted directly outside of eBay. Send me an email and I will share his contact info. He typically uses Sapim spokes and cuts them with a Phil Wood spoke cutter. I haven't had the first issue. His service and turnaround time are tops.
There are very few polished rims made today in any size. For a sport-touring bike like your Paramount, I would choose the Sun CR-18 or the VO Raid. While the VO rims do have a taller sidewall than vintage rims (a functional benefit) it seems slightly less pronounced on the Raid rim as opposed to the PBP. The Raid's rounder profile would look a bit more at home on a 70s Paramount than the "boxier" CR-18, but the CR-18 is an excellent rim for the price. I've used both on recent builds.
Polished CR-18s (622x18)
Velo Orange Raid (622x16). This is a 27" to 700c conversion using 610 centerpulls. The original calipers were Dia Compe 500 sidepulls.
