New Rim choices: can I beat a CR18?
10-18-10 | 09:42 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
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From: Kitchener, ON
New Rim choices: can I beat a CR18?
I was wondering if there's a better value out there for building up a decent wheel that doesn't look out of place on older bikes. I have a set of polished high-flange normandy hubs, so I don't really think they merit big bucks on parts but they are decent enough to build up for flips and friends.
10-18-10 | 09:48 AM
#2
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Louisville
Pretty tough to beat the CR18 for form or function. Do they still make a polished version in 700c?
Other options are VO's PBP and Diagonale rims. They're beautiful and strong. I have a set of each. ~$55 for two CR18s versus $100 for two VO rims. I think it depends on whom the bike is for (as you said). If it's MY bike, I'm springing for the VOs. Otherwise, CR18s!
Make sure the axles and cone nuts are in good condition before building up the hubs.
Other options are VO's PBP and Diagonale rims. They're beautiful and strong. I have a set of each. ~$55 for two CR18s versus $100 for two VO rims. I think it depends on whom the bike is for (as you said). If it's MY bike, I'm springing for the VOs. Otherwise, CR18s!
Make sure the axles and cone nuts are in good condition before building up the hubs.
10-18-10 | 10:07 AM
#3
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Joined: Dec 2005
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I assume you're talking about 700c rims? If so, I think the Sun CR-18 rims are tough to beat for price and look. The Weinmann Zac-19 rims are a bit cheaper, and if you pull off the decal of the silver rim, they wouldn't look bad, but I believe they're satin finish, not high polish:
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ducts_id=32153
Neal
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ducts_id=32153
Neal
10-18-10 | 10:08 AM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,310
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From: The Pearl of the Pacific, Mexico
Bikes: '12 Rodriguez UTB Custom, '83 Miyata 610, '83 Nishiki Century Mixte (Work of Art), '18 Engin hardtail MTB
Based on the number of great reviews (quality, durability and pricing) on this forum, I bought CR18 for the rear wheel and will be buying the same for the front very soon. Mine was laced to a Phil Wood hub and I can't be any happier with the overall performance. I bought a 27" rim polished version from Harris Cyclery about 5 months ago. They have a note on their website indicating that Sun is no longer making the polished finish rims in 700c. 
Maybe another store has some old stock. If anyone knows, I'd also appreciate the info.
Maybe another store has some old stock. If anyone knows, I'd also appreciate the info.
10-18-10 | 10:16 AM
#5
PanGalacticGargleBlaster
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 7,531
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From: Smugglers Notch, Vermont
Bikes: Upright and Recumbent....too many to list, mostly Vintage.
Thats news to me about the polished 700C rims. I just bought a (my second) set in August.
The Sun M13II is similar looking to the VO PBP rim and is priced similarly to the CR-18. (around 25 bux)
The Sun M13II is similar looking to the VO PBP rim and is priced similarly to the CR-18. (around 25 bux)
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