Vintage Raleigh

Howdy all, so the Vetta is next in line for a bit of love and thought I'd start on the wheels.
The (LF Campagnolo) hubs will keep - a clean up and repack, new bearings etc.
The front rim has been replaced by a Velocity (same profile) laced with original spokes after I got caught in a rut on Port Melbourne pier at the turn around point 20 years ago (it happened yesterday surely).
The rear original Omega V profile has an up and downy that can't get out so wanting to get a pair of the same profile and era rims and re-lace with new SS DB spokes.
The thought was to get a pair of Omega rims but any suggestions on alternatives?
Not interested in lightweight more so strength as it will become my hammer bike when finished.
Have heard Mavic Open Pro being bandied around as a good rim but have no experience there.
How do they compare to the Omegas? Anything else that is worth consideration and why?
Cheers!

Wildwood 

I've had 3 sets of Open Pros that stood up well.

Dfrost 

I'm with Wildwood. I've had Reflex, Open4 CD and Open Pro (essentially the same rim, improved over the years), and they've all been strong, round, easy to build, and long lasting. I've also had a set of Omega 19's (not V) that lasted a very long time, and they were quite similar in design to Mavic Reflex.

Open Pros have that nice welded seam that is so smooth with the machined brake surfaces.

jcb3

Cant speak to the Omega, but I've had very good performance from the mavics (open 4 cd) - and I'm a pretty big guy.

I continue to look for backups

John E

I bought four 32-hole 700C NOS Omegas for the Bianchi. I have loved two of them to death and now need to replace the front because of sidewall erosion from the brake pads, so one of my summer projects will be to press one of the spares into service. I recommend them highly, but have nothing against Mavic rims, which generally enjoy a great reputation.

Vintage Raleigh

Thanks all for your input and experience. Now as always to find some suitable rims that are in excellent condition / new and aren't considered collectors items

paulkal

I have used both Omega V and Open Pro. The Campagnolo rims are nicer (in my opinion).
The Open Pro's seems to last much shorter than the Omega's.

seypat

You could also look at the Sun ME14A. They only come in black though, I think.

jet sanchEz

H + Son TB14 time are 23mm wide and have a classic look. I've seen them for about $65 on the UK sites, may be really cheap now after Brexit

T-Mar

Campagnolo Omega V are probably my least favourite rim. I've experienced issues with premature nipple pull through/cracking around around the nipple holes on two different sets. The first time I thought it was an aberration and gave it little thought. The second time was a shock, so I contacted another shop owner who did a lot of high end wheel building and he told me that they had had a few cases reported. While it's possible that these were all from a common, defective lot, I have my reservations and would strongly advise that you employ nipple washers should you choose the Omega V, though in my case that only delayed the onset.

plonz 

Wow that's harsh. A wee bit of thread hijacking here... Do you have any experience with the box version of the Omega Wheel? Campagnolo Omega Strada Hardox.

I have a set I'm hoping to use on a future build. Course, the H Plus Son tb14 Super Ano is calling my name as well.

cyclotoine

Open pros are the benchmark to which I compare all other road rims, they last and stay true, well made and double eyelets. Available new still. They have been in production for a long time for very good reason. I have a set of 32 hole in the grey ano I have been meaning to laced up for oh... 7 or so years now.

artclone

Helpful anecdotes on the Omegas.

I really like Open Pros. They've been reliable for me even when I've laced them myself! Very sturdy.

As for feel, I never really notice a difference in wheels as long as the wheel is true and tensioned right - - but I'm not a super experienced rider compared to many around here. I do notice tire model and PSI differences.

Loose Chain

I like Open Pros, been using Mavic rims since the 80s. I used the MA40s and still have them on a few wheel sets. Open Pros on my Cross Check and new 317s on my old Bridgestone.

Vintage Raleigh

So been trolling about new Open Pro's and there's some reviews that they ain't what they used to be, eyelets rattling and not so strong. I'd still like to get something different from the Omega's as they're already on one recent build, anything else with considering? DT? What about the 1990s Mavic rims with the v profile?

Vintage Raleigh

So been trolling about new Open Pro's and there's some reviews that they ain't what they used to be, eyelets rattling and not so strong. I'd still like to get something different from the Omega's as they're already on one recent build, anything else with considering? DT? What about the 1990s Mavic rims with the v profile?

https://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/wheels/rims/mavic/open-pro-clincher-road/prd_28178_2488crx.aspx

plonz 

If you're still open to a classic box shaped wheel, the 2 on my shopping list are Ambrosio Excellence
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...ence-rims.html

And the aforementioned H Plus Son tb14. I've never built these but that is going to change. They have aero profiles you might be interested in as well.
https://www.benscycle.com/hawksearch...H%20Plus%20Son

jamesdak 

I've got several older sets of Open Pros stil going strong on several of my older rides. I also have the newer (and supposedly not as strong) rim in a 32 hole setup on my one Giordanna. I have put over 1000 miles on that this year with those wheels and have yet to touch them. And I ride on rough cracked chipseal roads all the time so that take a beating. The worse section is this mile long stretch that is slightly downhill. I pretty much run that section a couple of times on my daily rides usually at speeds above 20 mph so the rims take a beating. No problems at all. Oh and I can't seem to get under 180 lbs this year so I am not a lightweight.

T-Mar

My favourite 1980s rim was the aero version of the Ambrosio 19 Extra Elite. Many forum members have reported these as being slightly oversize and very difficult to mount tyres onto but I've never had that issue.