The current state of 650b vs 26 x 1 3/8
#27
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Darn, looks like the link I found I didn't look at to carefully, or maybe I found an old Merry Sales catalog.
It was the SA-30 rim and they say it isn't available anymore.
It was the SA-30 rim and they say it isn't available anymore.
#28
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Hey, it's cool.
I've whipped off an email asking Merry (mary@merrysales.com) to import some 650A / 590 / 26X1 3/8" EA3 alloy rims. Advice to everybody on this thread: "Go thou and do likewise."
I've whipped off an email asking Merry (mary@merrysales.com) to import some 650A / 590 / 26X1 3/8" EA3 alloy rims. Advice to everybody on this thread: "Go thou and do likewise."
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#29
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Does anyone offer advice on where to buy spokes and nipples? I believe the front wheel needs 222mm spokes? I googled around and it looks like my options are Chinese companies on Amazon and a 100 pack of vintage spokes on ebay? Thanks
#30
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That seems like an odd and rather short spoke length. I vaguely recall that my 650B wheels (Pacenti Brevet rims, similar to older rims like Araya, Shimano 600 tri-color hubs) used spokes around 260-ish mm.
Try Universal Cycles. Lots of lengths in DT (I’m a fan of their Competition and Revolution butted versions), Sapim and Wheelsmith spokes:
https://www.universalcycles.com/search.php?q=Spokes
Try Universal Cycles. Lots of lengths in DT (I’m a fan of their Competition and Revolution butted versions), Sapim and Wheelsmith spokes:
https://www.universalcycles.com/search.php?q=Spokes
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#31
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Shipping from the Netherlands though.
#32
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HollandBikeShop has a selection...Shipping from the Netherlands though.

#33
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Update:
I have an alloy 650a rim on order through eBay. Spokes and a hub coming each from universal cycle and modern bike .com . I threw away an extra entire front wheel a few weeks ago in an effort to de clutter. I then discovered authentic raleigh hubs weren't cheap after I decided to build the alloy wheel.
To help with climbing until I build up the allow wheels: added vintage raleigh pedals with metal clips and staps. I added a 24t rear cog. I hear that with the SA 3 speed the recommendation is no more than 2 to 1 ratio with the chainwheel. My chainwheel is 46t. We will see how this holds up. I have an extra hub luckily. I removed my rear fender (keeps rubbing and tired of adjusting it for now), chainguard, and Piltscher(?) Style rack. I have one new schwalb delta coming. And I'm training regular flats and inclines, and sometimes extra weight added (some say that is futile but I want to give it a go).
But make no mistake. I weigh 228 pounds and that is the most important area to tackle.
I have an alloy 650a rim on order through eBay. Spokes and a hub coming each from universal cycle and modern bike .com . I threw away an extra entire front wheel a few weeks ago in an effort to de clutter. I then discovered authentic raleigh hubs weren't cheap after I decided to build the alloy wheel.
To help with climbing until I build up the allow wheels: added vintage raleigh pedals with metal clips and staps. I added a 24t rear cog. I hear that with the SA 3 speed the recommendation is no more than 2 to 1 ratio with the chainwheel. My chainwheel is 46t. We will see how this holds up. I have an extra hub luckily. I removed my rear fender (keeps rubbing and tired of adjusting it for now), chainguard, and Piltscher(?) Style rack. I have one new schwalb delta coming. And I'm training regular flats and inclines, and sometimes extra weight added (some say that is futile but I want to give it a go).
But make no mistake. I weigh 228 pounds and that is the most important area to tackle.