New Wheel Recommendation
 

Hi All,
Looking for recommendations on a new wheel set for an early 80's 10 speed that currently has 700cm rims, 5 speed freewheel, with a 100m front and 126mm back spacing. Rim width to fit 28-32mm tires.
Budget is $200-$400.
Thanks in advance.

There are a few thoughts.

The easiest route is to cold set the frame to 130mm freehub and buy a new cassette compatible wheelset.

If you do not want that route; non-steel frame, one way is to find NOS, or excellent, freewheel hubs and build the wheel with modern vintage looking rims, like a TB-14. Probably cost more than your budget.

Another option is to find an NOS, or excellent, vintage wheelset.

One option I don’t like is a new freewheel compatible wheelset. Unfortunately, these are usually low quality since no one makes high quality freewheel compatible hubs these days.

I’ve gone the old freewheel hub/build route, but lately the way I have gone with is to get a 130mm freehub and swap out the freehub body; 7 speed in place of the 8-10 speed.

I’ve done this where I can’t cold set. It does take a bit of work and an understanding of what you can swap. You do need to have the cones and seals, so it can be somewhat expensive without any stash.

John

You will almost certainly be able to put a 130 spaced wheelset in your frame without cold setting. If you already have one, try a test fit.

Hard to beat his deal: https://www.velomine.com/index.php?m...itililma04v1l0

I was going to say the exact same thing. Trying to find a used 126mm wheelset in decent condition can be tough.

I was able to find a wheelset with Shimano 6200 freewheel hubs and Mavic Monthlery Pro rims for only $50 on Facebook Marketplace. A little elbow grease, some new bearings and some ACTUAL grease later, and I have a nice set of wheels for my bikes with 126mm dropouts. I did have to scrape a lot of old tubular glue off the rims, but in the end, $50 for a wheelset? Can't beat that!

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5070dad2bc.jpg

Thanks everyone for your input.
I don't own any 130mm wheels so don't know if it would fit for sure but good to read its definitely possible. I own a number of new freewheels so prefer not to change to cassette if possible.
I did see the velomine deal. The price seems right at <$200, but really didn't see any other options. So is that really "it" for available newly manufactured 126mm freewheel 5/6 speed wheels?
Again, thank you all.

If you want to make your own wheels (or have them made) Velo Orange has some fancy looking 126mm freewheel hubs:

https://velo-orange.com/products/gra...heel-hub-126mm

front hub:

https://velo-orange.com/products/fro...ilver-and-noir

That looks interesting. Anyone try their wheels before?

Origin 8 hubs are made by Formula. I’m not sure that would be my first choice.

I know it is not a popular option, but I have purchased a number of good used wheelsets off of eBay and they have worked out.

It does take a bit of time and research. Check out sellers and ask questions. There are some good ones out there.

John