As I wait for my 1980 Colnago Super to be repainted I am going through parts and sourcing what needs to be replaced. In the mid-90's a shop convinced me to replace my Mavic GEL 280's with Mavic Open Pro Clinchers. I still kick myself about this. So I'm going to get rid of the Open Pro's and go back to tubulars. As much as I liked the 280's, I'm not the same rider I was when I was 20 (or weight). Also, I think I want to keep it all Italian if possible and I always loved Ambrosio rims.

So, what I'm looking for is period correct rims. When I say period, I mean the period this bike saw most of it's use which was 1983-1988. Which Ambrosio rims were made during this period and which would be appropriate? I've looked around the internet and there is no "history" on Ambrosio which would give me this information.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Dunno. These maybe?
https://www.velobase.com/ViewComponen...m=107&AbsPos=1
https://www.velobase.com/ViewComponen...m=107&AbsPos=0

I keep seeing these locally on CL, but they look a bit flimsy for my bulk....and I have NEVER dealt with tubular, so there is the SCARED factor! ;-)
[h=2]Ambrosio Montreal Wheelset with Campagnolo Hubs - $75 (Tampa)[/h]
Vintage Campy hubs built on Ambrosio Montreal Rims. This is a vintage high quality tubular wheelset.... all you need is the cog/lockring, and wheel bolts. Askng $75. Please email anytime with questions. Send me offers... Motivated to sell! Thanks!

Thank you both. Velobase looks like an interesting search tool.

I should add that I already have Campagnolo Record 36H low flange hubs. So, even if they were made at the time, I couldn't use Chrono's.

Do you want tubulars or clinchers? If you want tubulars Ambrosios are nice. If you want clincher I would go with a different rims and maybe something new. I know I know you want perios correct but...unless you can find something like a Rigida, Mavic Ma2 or 40s, or even a Wolber I would go for current production.

Don't get me wrong Ambrosio made great rims we used to sell lots of them but they are notorious for being hard to get most any tire on or off.

Thank you for you insight...It's back to Tub's for me (at least on this bike). I was looking at the new "vintage" Ambrosio's - Nemesis or Montreal's. But I wanted to explore NOS options as well. I know they've made Montreal's for quite some time.

I had the Ambrosio Montreal Durex rims on my bike back in the mid eighties and they were bomb proof. I am currently riding Ambrosio Metamorphisis rims and am very pleased with those as well. I purchased them used laced to Campy Record hubs about 5 years ago for $125.00. Don't get the Elite rims, they have a bad reputation for difficult tire installation.

Judging from the decals on this site I guess I have some of the newer Montreal rims. I have one set built into a set of wheels but haven't used them. They seem like a great set of wheels though.

https://www.ambrosio.co.uk/ambrosio_rims_tubular.htm

For good basic tubular rims like these I would not worry too much about NOS, unless your aim is a concours de elegance' grade rebuild.

Nemesis! With a fat tubular like a Dugast or FMB ftw.

Yes, the Montreals were definitely available in 1983, along with the Synthesis, Metamorphosis and Crono.

Thank you for the responses, I appreciate it.