back in those days, I built up a front wheel with the standard Hi-E front hub and one of those tubular rims. I recall it being very light, but I didn't have a lot to compare it with. Still, a rim that was made from aluminum sheet, folded over, and then riveted at the joint didn't inspire the same confidence as a Super Chamion model 58 clincher rim! I wasn't able to ride tubulars much, and ended up getting rid of the rim, which I sorta regret now. I'm still using the hub, though, and it seems to be doing fine.

The Hi-E sales literature in the early 90's claimed that the weight was 250 grams, and had the disclaimer "failure is safe, but may occur at less than rated loads". Harlan was an engineer, so I wonder what the rated load was supposed to mean? The load at which the spokes all ripped out of the rim simultaneously??



Steve in Peoria