I was so excited to receive the latest addition to my addiction collection of track bikes. When the black cherry Ciocc arrived I realized that I could not fit even a 23mm Continental GP 5000 on a Rigida rim. My mechanic suggested I seat the front wheel slightly higher off the axle. Not riding that. I read threads here suggesting shims for the blades using wire and glue. Ain't going to happen here. I don't ride tubs (and I ride vintage track bikes, right?) and if I ever do, there not going to be 21's which were probably what this bike had. So...
I bought a dremel and went to town. I'm sorry I did not take a before pic but there was barely a curve in the crown, just the slightest indentation. My plan was to gradually increase it until a 25mm clincher would fit. I did not inscribe a line in the steel but instead checked the fit repeatedly throughout the grinding process.
But I soon discovered after grinding away and sparks started to fly that I was on my own. I lost the original curve which was barely there anyway and now I'm having to carve a new curve.
It is now custom cut to fit the Continental 25s I ride. So, how did I do?
I'll post a pic of the whole bike tomorrow, it's too dark now.


As originally equipped with sew-ups