corrado33

I'm continuing to build the Mondonico I got at the swap the other day and I'm faced with a decision.




The bike came with two matching Torelli rims, best pictured here.




However, just last week I purchased a set of 32H H+Son TB-14s in powder grey (same color as the Torellis). The Torellis are currently laced to a set of modernish 105 hubs. I plan on using some Shimano 600 Tri color hubs for this bike, so either set of rims would have to be built/rebuilt.

Review of the TB-14s with pics.

Opinions? Stick with the classic rims (rebuilt to nicer hubs) or go with modern rims? Both rims look almost the same. I think the TB-14s are wider, so they'd probably have a slightly smoother ride.

I had always intended to use the TB-14s with these 600 hubs, but before I bought this bike, I didn't have a bike for the completed wheels to go on.

The Torellis are probably closer to what would have come stock, but the H+Sons will probably perform better and be more comfortable (assuming same tire selection.) Both will look the same from more than 5 feet away.

3speedslow

Is this bike going to be a regular rider? Go with the new if so. What group are you going with?

3speedslow

Reread your question, new rims with tri hubs, IMO.

Bianchigirll 

If the 105 wheels are solid, just old, (frankly they look unused in the pic) keep them whole and build new. Personally If I were going to the trouble of rebuilding wheels for that I would use a silver rim.

Great job on the cleanup especially the chrome!

corrado33

You guys are killing me with the silver... yes, I know every single classic road bike in the world needs silver rims, but it's very hard to find nice, non V profile silver rims (and the silver TB-14s were out of stock...)

I may just keep the torellis with the 105s for now to see how they ride, then possibly build up the TB-14s with the 600 hubs and see if I can tell any difference. Maybe if I wait long enough I'll be able to get a silver set of TB-14s.. (for this bike and for my land shark...)

ollo_ollo

Used silver Torelli "Master" rims with some NOS Chorus hubs on one of my bikes. They have a vintage look and may still be available. Don

Bianchigirll 

I know a girl who has some very nice NOS 32h AVA silver tubular rims you could get a good deal on. Tubulars are really classic.

With the SLX frame that bike kind of goes either way but I just like the look of silver.

OH and if they are out of stock big deal, if you like them wait. Unless you had one of these before you should just ride it with what came on it and make you like it before spending a lot on it.

corrado33

Thanks for the advice. I really have no interest in tubular wheels. We have a ton of those rims at the shop and nobody's really ever interested in them. Although they would match the vintage of the bike, I'm a practical person, and clinchers are just so much easier to deal with.

I'm not worried too much about spending too much money on it. For the price I got it for and how well it cleaned up, I could easily make money even if I bought new rims. Although, I'm guessing I'm going to like how it rides, so I'm guessing I'm not going to sell it.

Otis

Those vintage grey anodized rims will look terrible after they have some mileage on them from the brake wear.

A big advantage of the modern H-Son's is the wider profile. Used with a "small" 25mm tire like a Veloflex Master you get a really excellent ride, that still has a pretty traditional look about it.

mongol777

I just built anodized grey TB14 (laced to Ultegra 6800 hubs, triple butted DT Alpine III spokes), here are couple of pics. I'd go with TB14 for your build





I also wanted polished TB14 to go on that bike but after test fitting a set from another bike I was not so sure anymore. So went with anodized grey and they look great.

SJX426 

Yeah grey anodized look great!
[IMG]P1000516, on Flickr[/IMG]

corrado33

The thing is, I don't actually like POLISHED aluminum rims. I like the dull looking ones. Just your typical "aluminum" rim, not polished. (Like the silver Sun Ringle CR-18s).

mongol777

From what I gather later versions of hard anodized grey TB14 do not suffer much from brake rub discoloration. Brake track is not smooth and quite different feel and look from Mavics. Time will tell, for now I am a happy camper. And btw brakes bite much better (same calipers and pads) vs polished TB14s

mongol777

I like all of them, polished, dull, anodized, etc but have preference depending on the frame. Aside from pure looks on Mr Pink - crankset and RD will eventually change to Ultegra 6800 so it will be a nice match.

Vintage Raleigh

The polish will probably dull before you know it unless they're anodised