Originally Posted by
tonyfourdogs
Not the Falcon jj, it's a Sun Solo 1983 made in what was shortly to become a Raleigh factory. The brake caliper is set on the centre or near enough - it's just that one side of the rim was particularly rusted out and is obviously more abrasive than the other.
Ex Pres, I think you're right. Shame to ditch the whole wheel when the hubs are still good though
Steel rims are a pain in the arse. I had a pair of 700c alloy wheels, but the axles/dropouts are a funny size on the Sun, and I'd have to take a file to them to get standard wheels to fit. I honestly don't think the bike is worth it. To anyone, probably!
I'm living and learning I suppose!
My guess is that you should be able to find alloy rims that match the ERD of the steel rims.
The reason you'd want to match ERD (effective rim diameter) is so you could reuse the hub and spokes with the same lacing pattern. And I know some would say not to do this (reuse spokes), but you're trying to hold down cost. I would spring for new nipples, though. Have you laced wheels? If not, there are some good guides on the web. Everyone starts with their first wheel.