First off, I just want to thank everyone who has been chiming in and offering advice. I really appreciate it. I am trying to learn so thanks for bearing with me.

I am looking for 700c wheels for my 1986 Technium 480. I posted an ad on craigslist and got a couple good replies. I am trying to decide which set to go with. Any advice? Thanks again

Set 1. Matrix rims with Matrix hubs. Wheels are true but there is moderate brake wear on the rear rim. Comes with tires--$80, might be able to negotiate on price

Set 2. Matrix rims with Sansin hubs. Good shape with very little wear but dirty. Would need to be trued at a bike shop. Seller estimates $20 to do this. Price is $40

Sansin made some good hubs...some models have cartridge bearings which are really nice and smooth.

double check with your local bike shop about the price to true a wheel.


How much brake wear are you talking about on set 1?

If it needs to be trued, chances are the seller found it can't be trued, at least without replacing spokes/nipples.

Beware.

OFG you make a really good point.

I'd go with set 2 as well, but as stated check on the cost to have them trued cause in my area it's $20.00 per wheel.

Thanks for the wise words everyone. When I asked the seller for set two if they were true, he said probably not as true as you would like. I know the whole bike has been sitting a while which is why they are dirty. I found out that the local bike store charges $15-20 to true a wheel. So I am basically back to the same price with that set. If the cost is the same and they can be trued, are the sansin hubs worth the extra hassle? Here is a pic of the first set's brake wear.

Looks to me like only the anodizing is worn down, but if its only worn in one spot chances are its been out of true for quite a long time. Could be a reason for that.
Also as pointed out, details on the hubs will make the decision easier.

If it were me I would save a few more $$ and go with these.. https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT The price is pretty darn good and you have something new.

matrix rims have a history of cracking/spoke pullout.

I would buy the tied and soldered Mavic Open 4's laced to Campy Record hubs I offered the OP, complete w/correct skewers, but that's just me. Bulletproof and last three lifetimes.

https://picasaweb.google.com/zmudshark/Open4RecordHubs#

I would love to but they are way outside my price range. I would be paying more for the rims than I did for the whole bike and then some. Sorry. They just aren't in the budget.

Penny wise, pound foolish. But I understand.

That being said, a good wheelset lasts forever

The fact of the matter is that you are absolutely correct. It makes more sense to buy your wheels. But, I would have to save for another couple months to get them. And I need to get this bike on the road ASAP so I will be able to sell my old bike. I ride my bike to work and everywhere else every day. I probably should have waited to buy this bike but I got the bike fever at the bike swap meet and my paycheck started burning a hole in my pocket haha. Anyways, thanks for all the advice everyone. I think I will go with the first set and true them at the bike co-op if they need it. Maybe sometime down the road I can buy a nicer set of wheels.

I like capecodder's suggestion. If you want to be extra thorough, have a bike mechanic check them out and retension them if necessary. Though hmm, this ebay seller seems to know what he's doing.