Building a Tubular Wheelset
10-19-20, 11:10 AM
#1
Sophomore Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,690
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1623 Post(s)
Liked 1,043 Times
in
625 Posts
Building a Tubular Wheelset
I have several sets of clincher wheels that I could use the spokes from, so I'm trying to find a set of tubular rims I can use to rebuild into tubulars.
Unfortunately, it seems like no one makes new tubular wheels much, everything I saw on Ebay were old NOS Campy, Mavic, and Wolber rims. Does anyone build good tubular rims new these days?
Since i could not find anything new, i was thinking of using these to rebuild some old campy Omega clincher wheels. Any comments on this choice? I seem to recall seeing these rims on pro bikes BITD.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-WOLBER-...7782?_trkparms
Unfortunately, it seems like no one makes new tubular wheels much, everything I saw on Ebay were old NOS Campy, Mavic, and Wolber rims. Does anyone build good tubular rims new these days?
Since i could not find anything new, i was thinking of using these to rebuild some old campy Omega clincher wheels. Any comments on this choice? I seem to recall seeing these rims on pro bikes BITD.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-WOLBER-...7782?_trkparms
10-19-20, 03:03 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 1,143
Bikes: lots
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 470 Post(s)
Liked 503 Times
in
293 Posts
They're fine. Do you know the ERD is the same as what you have so you can use the spokes? Are you ready to learn how to properly mount the tires?
10-19-20, 04:55 PM
#3
Sophomore Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,690
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1623 Post(s)
Liked 1,043 Times
in
625 Posts
Not ready for gluing yet, just trying to get a set built up first, and then select my first tires. I would like an aero section rim, for strength, and because my clinchers are all aero profile.
I have rebuilt many sets of wheels where the profile of the two rims were "close enough". If I miscalculate, that'll just give me an excuse to splurge on some Sapim bladed spokes or something fancy. But in the past, as long as they are 32 spoke wheels, with a 3 cross pattern, I can use quite a variety of rims using my old spokes and nipples.
Are there any manufacturers still building 32 spoke tubular rims?
I have rebuilt many sets of wheels where the profile of the two rims were "close enough". If I miscalculate, that'll just give me an excuse to splurge on some Sapim bladed spokes or something fancy. But in the past, as long as they are 32 spoke wheels, with a 3 cross pattern, I can use quite a variety of rims using my old spokes and nipples.
Are there any manufacturers still building 32 spoke tubular rims?
10-19-20, 05:35 PM
#4
Awaiting Parole
Likes For xiaoman1:
10-19-20, 05:38 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 1,143
Bikes: lots
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 470 Post(s)
Liked 503 Times
in
293 Posts
I'm not sure what you've been up to previously but I'd want to be right on or within a single mm regarding spoke length. Tubular rims aren't very good sellers these days as you can pull a great carbon wheel out of a box that is light and very aero. 32 spoke rims? Pretty much just NOS.
Likes For cxwrench:
10-19-20, 06:03 PM
#7
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Lemond1985
Yes, that's probably something like what I will end up with.
I also built a set using Velocity Major Toms and have been happy- https://www.velocityusa.com/product/rims/major-tom-622
Then these are pricier: https://wheelbuilder.com/hed-belgium-c2-tubular-rim/ I can’t find them on HED’s site so maybe out of production now?
10-19-20, 07:11 PM
#8
Sophomore Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,690
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1623 Post(s)
Liked 1,043 Times
in
625 Posts
I've gotten so many clincher rims that started out already out of round (especially Mavics for some reason) that I just hoping to get some nice delta-shaped tubular rims that are built straight, I don't think the brand matters too much. Campys would be nice, I have had excellent luck with all of their rims that i have built up.
That triangular shape is such a strong design, it's hard to go wrong with it. Or so I hope. Some really deep profile rims would be nice, but I just want to stay cheap and simple for now.
That triangular shape is such a strong design, it's hard to go wrong with it. Or so I hope. Some really deep profile rims would be nice, but I just want to stay cheap and simple for now.
10-19-20, 09:46 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 1,143
Bikes: lots
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 470 Post(s)
Liked 503 Times
in
293 Posts
Originally Posted by Lemond1985
That triangular shape is such a strong design, it's hard to go wrong with it. Or so I hope. Some really deep profile rims would be
10-20-20, 12:52 PM
#10
It's MY mountain
Originally Posted by L134
Then these are pricier: https://wheelbuilder.com/hed-belgium-c2-tubular-rim/ I can’t find them on HED’s site so maybe out of production now?
10-20-20, 08:47 PM
#11
Senior member
Not many choices for aluminum tubular rims. Velocity dropped the Escape, but still offer the Major Tom. It's more for cyclocross and wider tires. I think 25s are the minimum.
Ambrosio still makes tubulars as far as I know.
Lots of choices in carbon fiber though.
Ambrosio still makes tubulars as far as I know.
Lots of choices in carbon fiber though.
