Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,045
Likes: 15
From: Lancaster County, PA
Bikes: '39 Hobbs, '58 Marastoni, '73 Italian custom, '75 Wizard, '76 Wilier, '78 Tom Kellogg, '79 Colnago Super, '79 Sachs, '81 Masi Prestige, '82 Cuevas, '83 Picchio Special, '84 Murray-Serotta, '85 Trek 170, '89 Bianchi, '90 Bill Holland, '94 Grandis
Period correct limits your options considerably. But I believe the best option for your '72 is probably the Weinmann clinchers with dimples at the spoke holes that many of the 70's Paramount touring bikes came with. Just make sure to use a tire with a steel bead (non-folding), like (some of the) Panaracer Paselas, because the rims are not set up to take folding tires (not hook beaded) -- they'll blow off the rims. Those rims/wheels may be a bit tough to locate. Araya clinchers might be a good back-up (don't know what if anything would be correct for that early, though). Or Rigidas, though these have a reputation for being a bit "soft." I have the Rigidas (model 1320) on a wheelset built with Campy high flange hubs on my '72 Motobecane Le Champion and they work fine. Super Champion 58's may have been available early 70's; not sure.
If it were me, I would take Pastor Bob's advice and not sweat the period correct part. Really good narrow clincher rims didn't come into being until the Mavic Module E's circa 1975. I will say, the period Weinmann clincher wheels with Campy HF hubs I had on my now-sold '75 P-10 provided a very cushiony ride.
Last edited by Picchio Special; 09-09-07 at 07:04 PM.